All language subtitles for The Naked Hills - 1956.eng

[instrumental music]

[James Barton singing
"The Four Seasons"]

♪ In the spring of your life
In the spring of your life ♪

♪ You kiss all the girls
but you don't take a wife ♪

♪ You're tall as a mountain
and swift as a stream ♪

♪ And pay dirt is waitin'
if gold is your dream ♪

♪ In the summer of life
there's so much to be done ♪

♪ But always the search
for a place in the sun ♪

♪ A time when a woman
is alive to a man ♪

♪ If love doesn't hold him
then nothin' else can ♪

♪ It is autumn the world
of the yellowing leaf ♪

♪ Of chances gone by
and the hurt and the grief ♪

♪ It gnaws at your innards
for gone is your prime ♪

♪ And all you have left
is a handful of time ♪

♪ It is winter as seen
by the snow of your hair ♪

♪ And dwindling moments
that someone can share ♪

♪ Unless you come back
and admit you are lost ♪

♪ How bleak the December
How bitter the frost ♪

♪ You have four seasons ♪

♪ Four seasons to make
your dreams come true ♪

♪ A man's lifetime
has four seasons ♪

♪ That's all God gives to you ♪♪

[instrumental music]

[all cheering]

(male #1)
You just can't imagine
what it was like when we got

the news back home that gold
was discovered in California.

Folks near went crazy.

They just picked up
their belongings

and headed West.
Thousands of them.

Young and old.

By both wagon train,
ridin', walkin'.

Any way they could get to
where the gold was.

It wasn't easy
like they said in the posters.

There were rivers to cross,
mountains to climb

and Indians.

Some didn't make it,
but most did

'cause they all had
the same dream.

Gold.

I'd like to tell you about
a friend of mine. Tracy Powell.

Him and me came out from
Missouri when the rush was..

...just beginning.
We was young then. In our 20s.

We both had the fever.

Bad.

I thought it to be more of
a town though.

'No eatin' places or nothin'.
Not even any streets.'

But we made it
just like you said.

Two thousand miles.

You want that gold?
You can keep it, boy.

Just get to the diggings.

If you want them nuggets in your
hand, it's alright with me. Heh.

Only worth a couple of cents.

Can't take much out in one day.

You'll find that out.

I guess I didn't see
where I was goin', mister.

Nobody around here sees
where they're goin'.

Especially
the first couple of days.

You alright, Tracy?

Yep. That's it.
A river of gold.

Sure lots of folks down there.

Tell me, uh, how long
you figure it's gonna take

before you get rich?
Two weeks maybe. Heh.

Three?

Well, don't you do
no diggin', mister?

No, I'm just sittin' here.
Much easier that way.

You keep a-sittin' there and all
you'll end up with is calluses.

Maybe so.
Maybe so.

Just look at 'em down there.
Breakin' their back.

Just for feed.

Just like them ants there.
Thousands of 'em.

'All of 'em
doin' the same thing.'

'Crawlin' up the hill'

and down the hill,
then up again.

Can never get anywhere that way.

Don't you worry none, mister.
We've been a long time comin'.

We aim to make it.

What makes you think
you're so different?

'Cause we ain't no ants.
Come on, Bert.

We got some diggin' to do.

You fellas need any equipment
or your dust changed to coin

just remember the name's Haver.

Willis Haver.

[indistinct chattering]

(male #2)
'Only got six more of these
gold-o-meters left, my friends.'

Absolutely sure-fire.

All you gotta do is walk along,
watch the little needle point

and there you are, wham!
A mother lode.

I know what
you're thinkin', my friends.

You're thinkin' if this fella's
so doggone smart

why don't he go out
and find his own gold.

I would,
but I got sore feet.

Just think of it, my friends.

No more scratchin' and diggin'
for gold.

This little gold-o-meter
finds gold for ya.

It not only finds gold,
but it cures rheumatism.

Yes, sir, my friends.

After you find
a million dollars in gold

you ain't got
no more rheumatism.

[laughs]

I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.
I'm not askin' 200.

'I'm not askin' a hundred.
But for a small sum of..'

Hey, take it easy, man, took us
all day to pan that dust.

Took me all day
to cook this grub.

How about that, Tracy?

Almost a whole day's work
just to eat once.

Howdy, Mr. Haver.

Hey, you know what..

...couple of men working
down from us just a bit

took out $80 today?

I seen it.

And you know what?
Instead of usin' pans

they got a box like thing
they rock back and forth.

Not bad, huh?

Just like the poster says
back home.

Go West, reach down
and pick it up.

I'm sure glad you
and I joined up, Tracy.

$80.

They way I figure it
you and me can do that easy

and that sure beats
workin' back in Missouri.

(Tracy)
'There's some doin'
better than that.'

What you aimin' to do?

$80 a day ain't nothin'.

There's ways a man
can get real rich, Bert.

How?

That's what I'm aimin'
to find out.

Howdy, Mr. Haver.

Me and my partner's wonderin'
if, uh..

...you had one of them boxes
you rock and forth.

We figure we can do better
if we have one of 'em.

Beat it, kid.

Your tent, mister?

Yeah.

What's your name, boy?

Powell. Tracy Powell.

Mmm.

Tracy here ain't like
the rest of 'em.

He's gonna hit it big.
Heh. Ain't that right, boy?

How'd you do today?

We took about, huh, $80.

You see that, Sam.

Not many around here can do that
the first day.

Come on, Haver. I gotta catch up
on my drinkin'.

Your gold, mister?

Then, you must be a powerful man
to take that much gold.

Excuse me for askin'

but did you get that gold
outta the river?

Get out of here
before you get your nose caught

someplace where
it hadn't oughta be.

I ain't aimin'
to get you mad, mister.

Just asking civil question.
You don't have to answer it.

Exceptin' I know
you didn't get that gold

outta of the river.

Oh?

He knows we didn't get
the gold outta the river.

You are a good judge
of human character, Sam.

Wilkins here a little moody
when he ain't had a drink.

Powell didn't mean nothin'.
Did you, boy?

He was just eager.

Eager like a thin coyote.

I don't see it do no harm
tellin' us

where you're workin' the gold.

Who knows, Sam.

Powell here might make
just the partner

that you've been lookin' for.

I didn't mean to rile you.

I respect a man who's got sense
enough to make out

better than the rest of us.

How about me buying you a drink?
And you and me can talk.

That's a good idea, boy.

A bar is the best place
for a couple of fellas

to get to know each other.

You care to join us, Mr. Haver?

I'll be along. I still got some
arithmetic to do.

You know, I was wrong
about you, Mr. Haver.

You keep sittin'.
You're gonna get rich.

Maybe I was wrong about you too.

You better get out there
before Sam drinks the bar dry.

I'm gonna get me a drink.

Fella that had all that gold's
named Sam Wilkins.

You've never seen so much gold.
I--

- You don't drink.
- Maybe it's time I started.

- I got business to talk for us.
- Well, count me out.

Fella who was showin' me that
rocker says Wilkins is no good

and everybody knows that.

So, well, just stay away
from him, Tracy.

We'll be alright
once we get that box built.

And end up like the rest?
I tell you I seen that money.

More money than I ever seen.
I'm gonna get some of it.

The last fella who went
with Wilkins got killed.

Now, you ain't that kind. I've
known you since we was kids.

- We ain't kids no more.
- Alright.

I still say you ain't that kind.

Maybe not,
but one thing's for sure.

I didn't come here to break
my back just to fill my belly.

You in or out?

Out. Trace.

Watch your step.

I'm a-fixin' to.

Hiya there, boy.

Here's for the lice
crawlin' up your back.

I can't think of a better way
of killin' them.

(Bert)
So Tracy went to look
for the gold.

He didn't know then

what the hills were goin'
to mean to him.

But he soon found out.

Quite a claim you got here.

Ah.

It's a lot of gold.

Want a cigar?

Gracias.

Got a match?

[dramatic music]

[Wilkins laughing]

Alright now, vamos!

[gunshot]

Vamos!

[Wilkins laughing]

[gunshots continue]

Say, you're gonna do
alright, boy.

Look at those fools
down by the river.

Scratchin' for a little dust.
Just keep your eye on a Mexican.

He'll show you
where you can get hunks of gold

right in these hills.

I wasn't on figurin' on
no claim jumpin'.

You wanted to come out here
for some gold, didn't ya?

You can't have a weak stomach
and get rich.

If you don't like it boy, you
can get out of here right now.

- Let's go to work.
- Yeah. Now you catchin' on.

Out here there ain't no rest
exceptin' the Sundays.

That's 'cause some of us
are scared of the Lord.

And the others have at least one
day to do some real drinkin'.

[laughs]

Well, Tracy began to find out

what some men will do
to get rich quick.

I don't think Tracy was bad
even though he went along.

Sometimes gold will do
strange things to a man.

[instrumental music]

[all cheering]

[all cheering]

Hiya, Bert.
Let me buy you a drink.

No, thanks, Tracy.

How about you, Mr. Haver?
After all I've got you to thank.

Hadn't been for you,
never would have met Sam.

Never would have met Sam.

Never would have all those
little sacks of dust.

Come on, Bert.
Let me buy you a drink.

- Oh, Tracy, I don't--
- Ain't no reason to be sore.

Ain't you and me pals? Didn't we
start out from home together.

Sure I just saw my chance
and took it.

Ain't no reason to be sore.

Did I tell you about Mr. Haver?
He's got a strongbox.

Great big strongbox
made of iron.

Full of money.

Well, we're gonna empty that
strongbox with money

with what me and Sam dug.

We'll buy everybody a drink.

Yes, sir.
With what me and Sam dug.

Just reached down there

and picked it right up
off the ground.

Great big chunks.
Beautiful.

Hold 'em up to the sun,
they shine in your face.

Thousands of
tiny little mirrors.

Not like the rest of 'em ants.
Eh, Mr. Haver?

We'll see.

You and Wilkins
put up the dust yet.

Gonna buy everybody a drink.

And then walk up
to Mr. Wilkins and say

"It is splitting up time."

We'll buy everybody a drink.
Don't go away.

Well, well, well, if it ain't
my little ol' partner

from Missouri, Tracy Powell.

Gonna buy everybody a drink.
Need little money.

What do you say
we split up the dust.

Sure, kid, sure. Right now.

Pretty fair wage if you ask me
for two weeks work.

My share was half, Sam.

Look, boy, take it
and move on.

Half the gold is mine,
Mr. Wilkins.

Get out of my way.

[music begins]

Why did I leave Missouri, Bert?

Why did I come over 2000 miles?

- For gold.
- That's right.

And I had it, didn't I?
I had it right in my fist.

Half that gold is mine. You was
there when we made the deal.

How bad do you want it?

I'd be obliged
to have your gun, Mr. Haver.

You can get yourself killed.

Don't do it, Tracy.
It ain't worth it.

The gold ain't worth it.

[music continues]

[music stops]

I ain't never killed
a man before.

[gunshot]

[music resumes]

(Willis)
'Care to change your dust,
Mr. Powell?'

[chuckles]

Yeah, I guess,
uh, you were too busy

to see that look
on Wilkins' face.

[chuckles]

Yes, sir, I..

...I believe you're right.

I, uh...think
you're gonna make it.

This time I'm gonna let you keep
all of this.

Seein' as how you did so good
with Wilkins.

Only usually I get my share.

Just remember that.

Take it easy. Take it easy.

Well, here you are.

Almost $1900.

'Not bad for a beginning.'

You should have told me Wilkins
was workin' for you.

I'm sayin' it now.
What's the difference?

'Maybe you didn't hear.
I want you in with us.'

I like you.
You got nerve.

A man like you
and a man like me

we could make a fortune.
Don't be a fool, boy.

Maybe it's just 'cause
I don't like you, Haver.

Alright.
You'll wind up scratchin'

just like the rest of 'em.

Maybe, but I didn't come here
just to end up thievin'.

Alright, boy. I thought you had
it, but I guess you ain't.

No hard feelings.

Don't worry about me, Haver.
I'll get along alright.

The one you better feel sorry
for here is Wilkins.

He's gonna be your partner.

Wilkins was working for Haver.
He wants me to go in with him.

What'd you say?

I guess you was right, Bert.
I ain't his kind.

Let's quit, Tracy.
Forget about the gold.

A whole new world's openin' up.
Other things.

Other ways to do
besides the gold.

Ain't nobody
gonna get rich around here

unless he wants
to be like that fella Haver or..

...unless he wants
the gold so bad

he's willin' to do almost
anything for it.

Man don't need no mountain
to live out his life happy.

You ain't seen it up
in the hills like I have, Bert.

It's truly like they say.

In one day, a man can make
hisself enough

to live like a king
the rest of his life.

You got a sickness, Tracy.

Can't you see it?
You got a sickness.

And you'll either die from it or
end up partners with the devil.

There ain't no in between.

Then, you and me better have
a drink 'cause you're lookin'

at a man that's figurin' on
goin' straight to the devil.

[dramatic music]

The town grew.

I got started
in the dry goods business.

Did pretty good too.

I didn't see much of Tracy
during those years.

Most of the time
he lived in the hills

and only came into town
once in a while

whenever he needed
another stake.

I was glad to help him.
Business was good.

It was about this time
that Tracy met Julie.

Right from the beginning
they fell in love.

I never could understand how
a wonderful girl like Julie

could wait all those years,
but she did.

One summer day
he did come back.

With a rock in his hand
and love in his heart.

I was lookin' for my shirts.
Are they ready yet?

Tracy!

Tracy!

Oh!

I was worried
you'd find yourself a man.

Kept thinkin' Julie would be
gone, but you ain't. You waited.

Yes, I waited.

I said I wouldn't,
but I waited.

Oh, Tracy, I love you.

This time was the hardest.

The nights never ended.

I worked until I could drop.

Anything to keep from thinking.

I'd lie on the ground at night,
came near drivin' me crazy

thinkin' about you too.

I said I wouldn't wait,
then I thought..

...he's got to get it
out of his system.

And when he does
he'll come back to me.

I tried to lie to myself.

You should've heard the things
I said to myself about you.

Ever since I can remember I've
been waiting to make a home.

Ohio, Kentucky...in Tennessee.

I remember the day my mother
and I started putting up

curtains on the farm.

My father came with a wagon.

His stories of California.

He must have been one,
your pa, from what you told me.

He had ambition.

I bet if he lived, you and your
ma would've had everything.

I never could understand
what made her stick with him.

She loved him.

Yes, she did.

I mean to have
that home, Tracy.

The one my ma never had.

I've worked my fingers
down to the stubs for it.

For a place of my own.

To love a man and to bring
up children in a proper way.

You understand that, Tracy?

You understand what I want?

I'm gonna
give it to you, Julie.

When I'd come near to givin' up,
I'd-I'd think of you.

I'd say to myself, "It ain't
just for me, it's for Julie.

Everything's for Julie."

And then I'd get to
the next rise and I'd look up

and the climbin'
was that much easier.

And now I've found it, and I'm
gonna give you everything

that a woman
like you should have.

All I care is your back now.

- We're gonna get married now.
- Uh-huh.

[instrumental music]

You better get me
that clean shirt.

A man can't get married here
without one, that's a new law

they passed since
they got so much civilization.

I'll get it.

You better get a new one,
else the preacher will think

he's marrying me
to a bear.

I never did see so much dirt.

(Bert)
'Congratulations, Trace.'

Bert.

Bert.

How's the old
businessman?

Fine. Fine.

By gum, you're
gonna be proud of me.

Anybody will be proud of..

...getting a girl like Julie.

Yeah, sure, but I'm talking
about another Julie.

This things all rock and dirt.

With the prettiest
yellow streaks

running through it
you ever did see.

I tell you, Mr. Killian,
you got yourself 25 percent

of the richest strike ever made
around here within 200 miles.

That's mighty
generous of you, Tracy.

Now, wait a minute. You stake
me, you're gonna get your share.

Wait till you see her.
She's over at the assayers.

All written up, legal and all.
The Julio I call her.

I ain't staking you
this time, Tracy.

Bert, you don't understand.
Wait till you see the rock.

Come to
the assayers with me.

Like as not,
you'll run a 120 to the ton.

All we got to do
is follow that vein.

You, uh, you told Julie
you're going out again?

Don't be a fool,
I know what I got this time.

(Julie)
'You knew last time, too.'

This time I won't be waiting.

You'll have to choose now.

Bert, you got to stake me
just this last time.

If it don't work,
I'll quit, I swear it.

Julie, I want what you
want a home like you said.

Then don't go out again.

You won't quit,
you got no sense.

I told you that,
Julie, he's got no sense.

She was my girl.
You knew that too.

I knew it and that's why
I ain't staking you this time.

I'm gonna prove your not
for her. You got no sense.

I don't need you. I'll get me
a stake somewheres else.

I see how you waited,
you and him.

Get out.

Get out!

[sobbing]

[dramatic music]

Just a minute there.

It's alright.
You can wait outside.

Be with you in a minute, pal.

This looks like a mighty
promising claim.

Sam, you'd, uh,
better look into it.

Howdy, Tracy.

It's been a long time.

Sam says that you registered
a claim up on Dorado Ridge.

Mighty promising.

He says the assays better
than a 120 to the ton.

Oh, that's alright.
You can talk in front of Sam.

He don't bury no grudge.
Do you, Sam?

How'd you find out?

The assayer works for me
and so does the registrar.

In this business
it's necessary

to know everything
that's going on.

Well, what can I
do for you, Tracy?

If there's anything
I can, I will.

I'm glad you
saw fit to come to me.

A man learns
by experience I guess.

I need a stake, Haver.
It's a rich claim I know it.

Ain't expecting you to stake me
without getting something

I'll pay.

Tracy, you don't
understand, you see..

...I'm running a bank now.

It makes a little difference.

It's not just me, there are
others in San Francisco

I have to account to.

I can't invest
the depositors money in a claim

without knowing
what's in it first.

How can I know what I got unless
I get the equipment to find out?

Just a vicious circle, ain't it?

Can't get the money unless
you know what you have.

Can't tell what you have unless
you get the money to find out.

Yeah, it's like I said.

It's a business now.

Man don't stand
a chance by himself.

Unless he's, uh,
willing to go along.

How much do you want?

All of it.

(Willis)
'That's the way it works.'

Man that's been up in
the hills maybe wouldn't know.

We put up the money,
we work the claim.

And we give what we think
it's worth for finding it.

Every day somebody
comes in here with a rock.

Isn't that so, Sam?

We can't get enough machinery
to work what we've already got.

It's a business now,
Tracy. Just like I said.

Pal.

Sam here took the trouble
to file all around you.

You won't get water
or nothing.

Unless you come in with us and
claim it ain't worth a cent.

We've been taking extra special
trouble to watch you, Tracy.

Isn't that true, Sam?

Just for old time sake.

[Tracy grunts]

(Willis)
'Now, I'm letting you
clear out this time, Tracy.'

'Won't nobody touch you,
I'll see to that.'

Funny thing about you,
Tracy. You're different.

You're different
than Sam here or me.

Trouble is you want
that gold so much

you're gonna
come crawling.

And I'll be here
when you do.

[doorknob clicking]

[knocking on door]

Open up.

Open up!

[banging on door]

(Tracy)
'Open up!'

'I know you're in there,
I mean to talk to you.'

'Open up!'

[knocking continues]

Don't you touch me!

There's no man
I'd let touch me.

Least of all you now.

Look at you.

How are you gonna end up?

You are right.

You ain't gonna
end up like all the rest.

You're gonna end up
like an animal.

A wild animal.

Scratching at the earth
with no human feelings..

[sobbing]

Oh, leave me alone.

I don't want you.

Help me, Julie.

Help me, Julie.

Please. Help me.

Please.

Help me.

I'll work.

I'll farm.

I'll build a home.

I'll stop looking
for the gold.

Help me, Julie.
Help me.

[instrumental music]

I never thought Tracy
would but he tried

to build a home, earn a living
just like everybody else.

It wasn't easy...as Tracy was a
man who wanted to be a king.

It's only the hills.

Oh, we're doing alright, Tracy.

Crop will be in soon.
The harvest.

A year or two we'll get some
cows. Build a house.

Oh, you'll see,
it won't be long.

In no time we'll have
a ranch like other folks.

Like other folks.

I look at you working
there and I think of my ma.

She hadn't hardly give birth to
me, she was out working again.

Bending her back.
Scratching the earth.

I'm not afraid to work
if it's for a reason.

If we just had $2000
we could get started right.

Buy ourselves some livestock.
We'd have a chance.

You've got
to stop dreaming, Tracy.

Look how long you looked
and you didn't find it.

Most never do.

But they live
and work and have a family.

And love each other.
That's what's important.

I ain't changing my mind,
Julie, it's just that..

Well, it just seems crazy
breaking our backs this way.

I can't help it,
I've seen some of the stupidest

biggest, stumblebums come
roaring in from a strike.

They could dig
enough gold in one week

to buy us the biggest ranch
in these parts.

Don't worry,
I ain't going out again.

But I got to
tell you how I feel.

I'm trying, Julie.
You know I am.

It's just that it don't seem
right, sitting here..

...with all that gold
running through them hills.

[indistinct singing]

Bartender, get me
a drink down here!

A drink for the
hardest-fightin'

hardest-drinkin'
dirt-scratcher as when

President Nixon firstly
crossed the Sacramento.

[laughing]

Come on now,
Tracy. Tell me.

How long has it been, boy, since
you and me was to ride in these

accursed hills in search
of the rainbow, eh?

Tell me, it'll do good
to make me feel me age.

Ten years. Nine, ten years.

[coughs]

Do you remember the time I had

25 percent of
the Black Hole of Calcutta.

'Hmm?'

'And come in
and took meself a bath..'

...in a whole bucketful
of whiskey.

And then it turned out that
some dirty swine salted the mine

just to make away
with those little scratches.

[laughing]

And there was I

with a whole bucketful
of bourbon and soap suds.

As thirsty as Finnegan's goat.

[laughing]

Trace, I want you
for my partner.

I do at that, boy.

You'd make the finest partner
a man has ever wanted.

So, come on with me.
Come on, I need to know.

Look, I've got
the eye of an eagle

and the nose of an anteater.

And I can spot a mother lode
if she's within 20 miles.

I'd be proud to have
you for me partner.

Proud to be
associated with ya.

And on that,
we'll have another drink.

Da-da-da, snake venom.

What do you say now?

- Let me see it.
- Oh, hey.

- Let me see it!
- Sure, I got it right here.

You've looked at it
four or five times.

How much is it worth?

A hundred and fifteen to
the ton, so help me boy.

You didn't register it, nobody
around here knows where it is.

Oh, I'm not sure..

Ugh! They wouldn't let you
keep it. It's a business now.

Gold's a business.

We do the sweating.
Haver does the getting.

Ha, ha, no. Not from
Jimmo McCann they won't.

Tracy, I've got
big connections here.

Up in San Francisco..

...in the San Francisco
mining company.

Haver will never get
his hands on this outfit.

Now, all we have to do,
Trace, is find the vein.

And that if there's
anyone in the world

who can do that
any better than Tracy Powell

I'd like to know who it is.

Exceptin' maybe meself.

And we're partners?

Share and share alike.

That's right, Tracy lad..

So, there's nothing else
that matters except the gold.

You don't take risks
in me whole life, do you?

To wind up with nothing.

Ha, ha. Not with old Jimmo.

I'm gonna ride down this
main street in a golden carriage

and stick out me tongue

at everyone I see
and say, "This is me!

"Jimmo McCann.

"I come for it
and now I've got it

"and you can all jump
a night hawk.

"'Because this ain't
no little man talking'

"this is a big, big man,
who done it hisself

'because he had the guts."'

[instrumental music]

What did Jimmo
want today, Tracy?

He wants you
to go off with him?

He got himself a grubstake.

I said no.

I'm going
to have a baby, Tracy.

There's no marriage
without children.

It's just like I said.
It never would be.

When I was your age,
I'd have the nerve to face her.

Face to face and say

"Daring, I'm a man that's
footloose and fancy free.

"And I'm on the roam
but I'll be back some day

with a pocket full of boodle
and make it up to you."

I want to ask you
a question. What am I?

Am I something?
Or am I nothing?

'Hmm. You're nothing.'

Absolutely nothing.

Tracy boy..

...what you've
got to face is..

...women don't understand
about these things.

You're right.

She doesn't understand.

A woman doesn't understand.

I got to make it.

I got to!

[instrumental music]

Sure Tracy meant
to come back soon.

Even before the baby
was born but he didn't.

Weeks became months
and the months, years.

Years of climbing,
digging, scratching.

By 1869, almost everybody
forgot the gold.

Civilization came west.

Our town grew bigger.

Most of us did
the ordinary things

working, farming
building a business.

There were still
a few like Tracy and Jimmo

who never forgot the dream.

Morning, Trace.

What do you think?

I think we dig here.

Now, look,
let's try and be logical

we know that somewhere
in this enormous beehive

there's a beautiful vein
of golden honey.

Now, the question is

does the vein come out here
or in the next hill over there?

Maybe there's no vein at all.

Look, wait..

Trace, look, I-I'll never
let it cross my mind again.

- I say we dig here.
- I agree with you.

We'll dig here.

So, in that case we'll have
to give it the final acid test.

To make sure
we're gonna toss a coin.

This here is the last
honest dollar I ever made

and I saved it for just
such an occasion as this.

What will it be?
Heads or tails?

I don't care about no coin.
I say we dig here.

Now, look, Tracy, a man can only
do so much for himself, boy.

I think the biggest strike
was struck in [indistinct]

when a feller woke up so drunk
one morning, he put his pants on

backwards and didn't know
which way he was walking.

- What'll it be? Heads or tails.
- Oh, heads.

- Well, heads it is.
- Yeah.

Now that we got science
to back us up, let's work.

Alright, boy. Alright.

Now, what do you
think you're doing?

It's been so long since me
and the Lord had anything to say

to each other, I thought
now would be a good time

to get acquainted again.
We're gonna be needing him.

Well, there will be plenty
of time for that on Sunday.

We got a tunnel
to dig. Here. Let's go.

[indistinct singing]

[gun cocking]

'Drop it.'

'Drop it!'

Well, if it ain't the worst
two-faced weasel known to man.

What are you doing here,
Sam Wilkins, eh?

Oh, no, no.

Don't think you're
gonna scare me with that

pea-shooter you got there.

[laughs]

At this close range
one squirt of tobacco juice

I'd blind you for life.
Get outta me way.

I mean business, Jimmo.

I'm taking over this claim.

Sammy, don't make me laugh.

Well, now, you're
claim jumping again, eh?

My, my, what happened
to mighty [indistinct] though.

(Jimmo)
'Whatever became of that
more than sweet-smelling job'

'you had with
that skunk Haver?'

Him and me split up!
Come on now, old man.

Get your stuff together
and get on out of these parts.

Tracy.

I should have knowed.

Honest, Tracy, if I had known
this was your claim, I..

...I wouldn't have
tried nothing.

(Sam)
'I guess my luck
has just plum run out.'

Well, I'll just be
goin' along now.

What's this about you not
working for Haver no more?

Why, he threw me out.
He's a big man now.

He don't need
the likes of me no more.

I just busted loose for the
hills, nothing else I could do.

Things sure have
changed a lot, Tracy.

All the claims are spoke for.

Or mined
or...ain't worth nothing.

Say, Trace,
let me work for you.

We don't need nobody.

Trace, I think
we better take him in.

It's better than having him
running down to the town

and shooting his mouth off
about what we're doing up here.

They'll be swarming
all over the place.

How do we know you ain't gonna
go to Haver before we file?

I'd die first, Trace.
Honest I would.

You know what he had me doing?

He's got a big house now, see.

He had me fixing things
that was broke.

And painting.

I'd die before
I'd run to him.

Alright, Wilkins, but if I catch
you turning against us this time

I'll kill you.

Thanks, Trace.

I ain't doing this
for you, Wilkins.

My heart just naturally
goes out to anybody

who can't stand Haver.

I guess we could use a man.

Now, get to work, slave.

Go on.

[explosion]

[Jimmo coughing]

[coughing continues]

Gold.

Gold.

Look at her.

Look at her, Sam!

[instrumental music]

[laughing]

[music continues]

- Let's show Jimmo.
- Huh?

- We gotta show Jimmo.
- Yeah.

Let's go.

Did we hit it,
Trace? Good boy.

Look at it, Jimmo.
Look at it.

[laughing]

I knew it..
Would you look at..

[laughing continues]

Oh, it must be ten million.

Oh, it's 20 million.

Well, it's...
it's-it's-it's as big as

a drillion,
a quadrillion, a dillion!

[laughing]
A quadrillion,
a skillion, dillion..

Oh, blue blazes,
holy blue blazes

I've got to see it
with me own eyes.

I've gotta go in and see it.

[laughing]
I'm going, I'm going in and..

Uh, has anybody got a lantern?

- Right there.
- I'll be back, fellows. I'll..

- We'll make it.
- Ah ha ha ha!

A ding dang dillion.

[both laughing]

A ding dang trillion.

[both laughing]

[rumbling]

Jimmo!

Jimmo!

[rumbling]

- Jimmo.
- Jimmo.

Jimmo!

(Jimmo)
'Tracy.'

Jimmo!

- Jimmo!
- 'Tracy.'

(Jimmo)
Tracy.

[Jimmo groaning]

(Jimmo)
Tracy.

[instrumental music]

[Jimmo groaning]

[music continues]

[Jimmo groaning]

Everything is going
to be fine, old-timer.

Yeah.

Me and Wilkins
will carry you down

to the mules and then
you can ride in.

We're gonna fix
you up alright.

[mumbling]
...wha-what was it like, eh?

I didn't get
a chance to see it.

- What was it like?
- Real rich, Jimmo.

Real rich.

[instrumental music]

- Tell me, Tracy.
- He's right..

He's right. Must have
been 150 to the ton.

I've seen her
shining right through.

Just like you said,
"A mountain of gold."

I..

I...can't feel my legs.

Have I any legs, Tracy?

You don't have to
worry about nothing.

You're gonna be walking better
than me like you always done.

Won't have to walk now.

I've got me a mountain.

I'm gonna sit away
up on top of it

for the rest
of my whole life

and ride around...
in a golden carriage.

Stick out me tongue..

Jimmo, Jimmo, fight.
You got everything ahead of you.

Anything you wanna do.
Ride around the world.

You can sleep in a bed,
so soft, just like you said.

Huh.

It's...hard to talk, Tracy.

Tell me...what's
it gonna be like..

...when-when you get home?

There's gonna be
Julie and the kid

like I told you, Jimmo.

We're gonna walk in there
with our arms full of money.

And I'm gonna spread
mine out in front of Julie.

And we're gonna buy the biggest
house in San Francisco.

You'll live with
us and eat with us.

You're gonna sit at
the head of the table.

And you're gonna
smoke big cigars

the biggest this side
of Sacramento River.

[intense music]

Shame this had to
happen to the old man.

Must have spent near
his whole life looking.

I guess Jimmo was kinda lucky.

It's them that looks all
their life and never makes it.

Yeah.

Guess you could say
Jimmo was really lucky.

Whoo-o-o-hoo-o-o!

Hah! Well, here I am.
Sam Wilkins.

Part owner of the biggest
strike since [indistinct].

The Little Jimmo she's called.

We got enough gold in
her to buy all the whiskey

this side of the Rockies
for the rest of our lives.

It ain't every day
a man gets a chance

to drink hisself into
a purple horned toad.

He don't have to pay
an ounce of dust for it either.

'Cause me, Sam Wilkins, part
owner of the doggonedest strike

that ever hit
these parts is buyin'!

So every man jack here get up
to the bar and start guzzling!

- Go on.
- Ha ha.

Well, come on.
What's the matter?

Aggie, start pouring.
Come on there.

[men laughing]

I got a thirst I've been saving
since before my mom weaned me.

Just had to come here. I always
do when I first get to town.

I understand.

Folks sure are going crazy.

Bet you can't find a mule
within 50 miles of here.

You don't always
find a gold strike

as promising
as the Jimmo.

Mighty glad that you
decided to come to us

before negotiating
with anybody else.

Well, Jimmo trusted
you so I trust you.

How about a drink?

Here's to the first
day's digging.

May she go on and on.

Here's to Jimmo.

Now we have here
the final papers.

All properly drawn.

And the initial 5,000
in cash as you requested.

'You understand we're making
an exception in this case.'

'We don't usually
advance anything'

'till the extent of
the claim can be verified.'

'Mr. Powell, you understand
we don't know as yet'

'precisely how much gold
there is in the Jimmo.'

'So the sale of the stock
is speculative at the moment.'

- 'However, we do believe--'
- I'll be right back.

- She won't see you.
- You told her what I told you?

That I hit it big.
I come back like I said.

Everyone here knows
that you hit it big.

Look, Tracy, you can't
do what you did to a woman

and expect her
to take you back.

Least of all Julie.

Why, she's raised that kid,
done launderin'.

She says she
doesn't wanna see ya.

She's gotta see me.
I gotta make it up to her.

I'll bring the money,
show it to her.

When she sees it,
she'll believe it.

It'll all be hers.

Still the money.

Won't be a minute.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

Here you are, Mrs. Rawson.
Come again.

[music continues]

Here. For you,
like I said.

I told Bert I didn't
want to see you.

That's what he said.

Then get out.

Alright.

[music continues]

But how come you didn't
take up with no other man?

Go on, tell me,
after all this time

'if you wasn't
waiting for me.'

I waited for you to change!

To come back in out of the
hills, to come to your senses!

'I thought every day
any day you'd come back!'

But I am back,
just like you said.

Yes, you're back.

But nothing's changed.

[crying]

I don't want the money!

'Don't you understand?
I don't want it.'

I never wanted it.

I wanted a husband who
would love me and respect me

and be a father to my children,
not the money!

Do you think that
makes up for the years?

For the boy who
never had a father?

- Will you buy them back?
- Hey, ma!

You got no idea what's going on.

'There's more people
than I ever seen before.'

Wowie! Look at the money.

Yours, mister?
Here, let me help you.

Hundred dollar bills.

Must be 50 hundred of them.

Billy.

[instrumental music]

This is your father.

[music continues]

You come back.

You come back.

I told ma she
shouldn't worry.

I told her someday
you'll be back.

Everybody said you would.

Will you stay now?

Will you, pa?

[instrumental music]

I don't know, son.
It ain't up to me.

[music continues]

[gunshots]

[laughing]

[instrumental music]

Hey, that was
real good, Billy.

I expect you and me will have
some real good hunting together.

First rifle I ever owned.
Sure is a beauty.

Reminds me of the time
old Jimmo and me

was stalked by a wild cat.
Did I ever tell you about Jimmo?

He was the one you
named the strike for.

But not about the wild cat.

What about it?
Did you kill it or did Jimmo?

Well, it was like this.

It was about, oh,
nine years ago.

Jimmo and me had
this same hunch about..

Julie let Tracy
come and visit the boy.

She couldn't make up
her mind whether to

take him back or not.

She needed time.

And there..

If a man's got
faith in hisself

and is willing
to stick it out--

I've done alright, Tracy.
Business is--

Sure, sure, sure, but, uh,
if you could have been there

'when me and Wilkins
first reached out'

'and touched it with our hands.'

Well, it was worth
everything I've been through

from the time you
and me left home together.

And do you know how much
he assayed? 150 to the ton.

How do you like that?
150 to the ton.

[dramatic music]

- What do you want?
- 'What's the matter?'

The Jimmo...she...Baxter
told me to tell you.

What's the matter?
What happened?

We ain't got nothing.

The vein come up short, the men
quit digging, the gold run out.

- You're crazy.
- I ain't crazy!

We got nothin'!

Who said?

- Who said?
- Syndicate.

They told me to tell you
there's nothing there.

The men are
coming back in.

And we ain't
got nothing.

They're lying. We seen the gold.

Sam, you and I seen the gold!

I seen it, do you hear?
I seen it.

[dramatic music]

- I seen it.
- You can't go gunning!

Those days are gone!

[dramatic music]

Wilkins says there's
no gold in the Jimmo.

- What do you mean by--
- 'Give me the signed papers.'

- 'The deal's off!'
- 'It's alright, Baxter.'

Give it to him.

It's alright, Baxter.
Give him the paper.

It's been
a long time, Powell.

Oh, you can
put away the gun.

No one's gonna cheat you.

- Why, you dirty--
- Don't blame Baxter.

He was only
carrying out orders.

If you'd come to me
I could've told you

there are no mining
operations in this area..

...that I don't control.

That's a lie. Another one
of your dirty tricks.

- Tell him.
- It's the truth, Powell.

We worked the claim
and the vein come up short.

I'll take you up there.
I'll show it to you.

That must be the vein.
There's gold there, I know it!

Sure, there's gold there.

Just like you said, the biggest
strike since [indistinct].

The main vein
was in the next hill.

We went on and found
it after yours run out.

You're lyin'! You're trying
to take my gold away from me.

I dug that gold, me and Jimmo.

We both cut our backs digging.

Ain't nobody gonna take my gold.
I'll kill you first.

[gunshot]

- Alright, throw him out.
- Why, you..

No, no, no.

Let him crawl.

[dramatic music]

Come on!

[music continues]

Tracy!

You got no
chance in there!

Tracy, come home.

I'll tell you what happened.

Jimmo says, "Shall we
go on to the next hill?"

I says, "No, I like
it fine right here."

Do you hear me, Bert?
We was that close.

- Standing right there.
- Stop it..

- Stop it!
- One more stinkin' hill.

Tracy, listen to me.

It's nothing
to be ashamed of

for a man to fail.

Nothing to be
ashamed of I tell you.

Jimmo was right. If you got
the guts, you can make it.

Guts?

You call that guts?

I'll tell you
what you really are.

A coward.
You hear? A coward.

Afraid to live and struggle

like a normal human being
to build a life.

But, no, you've
got to hit it big.

To have enough gold
to choke yourself with!

And choke me!

[crying]

Oh, Tracy..

Tracy, come home.

It's not too late.
Come home.

Come home? What do you think I
wanna do? I do wanna come home.

But with what?
Empty hands with nothing?

[shouting]
Nothing?

Haver, hear me!
I'm gonna make it!

I don't quit!
I'm gonna make it!

Tell the kid, tell the kid this
is just a temporary setback.

Just temporary.
I'll be back soon.

- Tell the kid.
- Tracy!

Let him go, Julie.

Let him go.
He's no good.

Not even for himself.

Nothing will
help him no more.

[Julie crying]

Nothing.

So the years passed
and it became the winter

of Tracy's life.

I guess maybe you can't
blame a man for trying.

Some don't know when to quit.

Others of us
maybe give up too soon.

[wind whooshing]

Ain't nothing wrong with you
except maybe a little cold.

Maybe some of this
will make you feel good.

Can't be losing you. You just
about the best mule I ever had.

You oughta be proud
of that name I give ya.

He was a one, that Jimmo.

He said I could
smell gold so good..

...that I could find
a dentist with my eyes shut.

[laughing]

You just get yourself
a little rest there now, boy.

And I want you to try
some of this now. Here.

Here. That's it.

There.

There. Easy does it, boy.

There's nothing to be
ashamed of in being sick.

No, it happens
to near everybody.

Sure. I bet you feel
better already, huh?

I'll get you some
more over here.

[dramatic music]

Good boy, Jimmo. Good boy.

'Don't quit.'

'Stand up. Don't give up.
Come on, Jimmo.'

You can do her, boy.

We'll go back to the cave.
We'll stay nice and warm.

We'll build a fire. We'll stay
there till the snow is gone.

'You can do her, boy.
You can do her. Come on.'

You got to. I need you.

[thud]

[instrumental music]

[crying]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Whoa!

Watch where you're going,
you old fool.

[music continues]

You a tramp, mister?

Leave the man alone, Timmy.

I'm awfully sorry.
The boy doesn't understand.

That's alright, ma'am.
I am a little dirty.

Been up in the hills.
Staking a claim.

Well, you see that, Timmy?

This old gent's a prospector

looking for silver.

Gold, ma'am.

I'll bet he's rich, huh, ma?

You rich, mister?

My pa says there's
lots of gold around here.

As much as a million even.

You got a million, mister?

- I'm awfully sorry.
- That's alright, ma'am.

Boy didn't mean nothin'.

- Can I help you, sir?
- Oh, I was looking for Bert.

Uh, Mr. Killian,
he's an old friend of mine..

Oh, Mr. Killian's over
at the hotel. The new one.

There's a city fathers'
lunch there this afternoon.

Oh, uh...well, uh--

It's just over
a couple of streets.

You can't miss it.
It's brand new.

Thank you, ma'am.

[indistinct chattering]

(male #3)
'...those men who first
came here with..'

'that put us on the map
as the hottest little town'

'this side of
the Sacramento River.'

[all clapping]

[indistinct chattering]

Tracy.

Tracy.

Howdy, Bert.

I can't believe it.

I just can't believe it.

How are you doing? Are-are
you staying in this time?

Listen to me,
how about a drink?

Come on.

Bet you haven't had a drink

since the last time
you was here.

Some whiskey, Charlie.

Well, it's sure nice
to have you back, Tracy.

Can't tell you how nice.

[clinks]

It's good, Bert.
You got no idea how good.

You, uh...you
ain't fixin'

to go back up in those hills
right away, are you, Tracy?

Oh, what a question. What do
you think I'm fixing to do?

I'll let you in on it this time,
Bert, just for old times' sake.

I shouldn't be
telling you this

but since you'll be in on it
you might as well know.

You know how I always was
talking about Squaw Ridge?

Well, I've been over
it from stem to stern.

You know how I always had a...
a nose for a vein of gold.

Well, sir, this thing's
hotter than the Jimmo.

Yes, sir. Real promise.

It ain't like you
as an old man, Tracy.

You're...you're still young
enough to do most anything.

A few months of sitting
around and you'll..

You'll die if you go back up in
those hills. And it ain't right.

It's like killing
yourself before your time.

I'll get me a stake
somewheres else.

Now don't go
blowing off your head.

Did you ever think to
go see Julie or the boy?

- They want no part of me.
- How do you know?

Been a long time, Tracy.

Things happen.

People change.

Look at me.
I ain't mad at you.

I know you did what you
had to do and...that's all.

I'll tell you what...
I'll go fetch the boy.

He's got hisself
a cleaning business.

Doing fine.
You'll be real proud.

We'll see if he don't want
nothing to do with his pa.

We'll just see.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[birds chirping]

[music continues]

(Billy)
'Howdy, pa.'

[instrumental music]

Howdy, son.

[music continues]

We want you
to come home, pa.

I expect Bert's told you about
this strike I'm real close to.

I gotta get on up to it
before the thaw sets in.

Man's gotta be
first to a claim

if he's gonna do
hisself any good.

I know.

But maybe you could hold
off just long enough

to visit with us and then you
could be going on in the spring.

Well, I don't know how kindly
your ma would look to me comin'.

Come on.

[instrumental music]

So, Tracy came
the long way home.

Took a lot of courage
to do what he did.

Julie was waiting as always

because...well, she loved him.

I guess Tracy finally realized

that a love like Julie's
meant...more than the gold.

[instrumental music]