Original subtitles

[PEOPLE CHANTING]

[GUNSHOTS]

NARRATOR: Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne

they fought long and hard to hold their hunting ground

against the westward push of the white man's frontier.

Till a peace treaty was signed in the 1870's in Kansas.

But there was no peace in Dodge City.

Outlaws and gunfighters took up where the Indians left off

and turned that trail town into a battle ground.

Dodge was a rich prize,

center of the buffalo trade, end of the trail for cattle herds

driving up from Texas to meet the railroad spur to Abilene.

Where trail hands were paid off and girls and gamblers were there to take it away.

Where bad men shot it out with the law men,

until at last the law settled down in Dodge,

and the law was written in bullets

from a six gun in the hand of a man named Masterson.

A pair of polished boots on a dusty trail street...

One man moving slow,

other men moving fast, to clear the way.

That's how it was that hot July afternoon

when Bat Masterson took a walk down Front Street

to meet up with Doc Holliday,

and folks all knew that only one of them would be walking back.

Sure there's no other way to do it, Bat?

He didn't drift back into Dodge by accident.

When he crosses the second street he knows I'll be there,

waiting for him. Can't be any other way.

Well, why don't you wait till my brother gets back? He'd listen to Wyatt.

Wyatt Earp's as fine a man as ever wore a badge.

But he's got a blind spot, Doc Holliday.

Doc ain't done no harm this trip, not yet.

Maybe he don't mean to.

That's like giving a rattlesnake the first bite.

He's a sick man, Virgil.

It makes him mad to see anybody healthy.

He's a cold-blooded killer.

Never killed a man who didn't have a gun in his hand.

That's why he's never wound up at the end of a rope.

There are plenty of ways to bait a man into a fight

and Holliday knows them all.

When you can draw and shoot like he can, it's murder, no matter who draws first.

And you can't wait to go down there and meet him.

That's my job. And it's Wyatt's, too...

When he was sheriff, yes.

Now Wyatt's a Federal Marshall and I'm sheriff.

That makes Doc Holliday my job.

I told Doc what would happen if he ever came back to Dodge. Well, he's back.

Doc, you don't know me, Doc, but I'm your friend.

I choose my friends and I still don't know you.

Sure, Doc.

But I ain't no friend of Masterson's, either. So I had to tell you,

he's cornin' for you.

It'd be news if he wasn't.

He'll be waiting to stop ya if you try to cross second street.

Well, I came here to do some gambling.

Had some bad luck in Tombstone.

I like the cards at the Salamander,

and that's the other side of second street.

Then I hope your luck ain't still bad, Doc.

Ain't you superstitious?

Only when I'm winning.

Don't like to break my luck by killing a man.

But when I'm losing...

Doc...

If you need any help, I could cover you.

Hello, Doc.

Hello, Sheriff.

That's as far as you go, Doc.

I don't think so.

There's one way to find out.

Or you can turn around and go back the way you came.

I'd rather not kill you, Doc.

Give me three good reasons why you shouldn't kill me if you can?

I will give you three more steps.

Each step you take, is one less reason.

That's one.

And that's two.

If either of you reaches for a gun I'll blast you both!

Keep out of this, Wyatt. This is between Doc and me.

No, it ain't.

I'm not going to watch my two best friends kill each other,

even if I have to kill 'em myself.

You're an officer of the law and you're covering for a killer.

I'm covering for the both of you.

Besides, I can't afford to taka chance.

I need you, Bat.

I wouldn't know why but for your sake, Wyatt,

I can postpone killing him a little longer,

half the pleasure is anticipation.

Whenever you're ready, Masterson, you can find me in the Salamander Saloon.

I'll be there.

I just want to get one thing straight, Wyatt.

I'm sorry to horn in on your party, Bat,

but I had a good reason.

Well, it better be.

I just can't understand how you can put up with him.

He saved my life.

Well, I know that... I don't expect you to understand it,

and I can't explain it.

'Cause nobody can explain Doc Holliday.

He's not so hard to figure,

he's a dying man, so he hates the world

'cause it'll go on living after he's gone.

Then tell me why he threw in with me

against a mob of gun swingers when I didn't have a chance of outliving him?

He'd rather give odds in a gun fight then play safe and die slow.

All I know is, when he opened up on my side, I didn't care why.

But, I guess that's between Doc and me.

Look, Wyatt, I'm not going to ease up on him,

not as long as he stays in Dodge City. Even for you.

I wouldn't expect you to.

And I guess you know, Bat, if Doc should kill you,

next man he'd have to kill, would be me.

What do you want me to do?

Bring in a man who's wanted for murder.

Who is he? Amos Merrick.

Merrick? The Peacemaker?

That's what they call him.

But he's a man who saves lives.

If it wasn't for him, they'd never be able to sign that

peace treaty with the Indians. I know.

But the soldiers at Fort Dodge say he killed Colonel Dailey.

What does Merrick say?

That's the worst part of it, nothing.

His Indian friends think they're protecting him.

And Yellow Hawk would start a war if the soldiers went after him.

But you're a friend of Yellow Hawk's

and you're the only one that can bring Merrick back to Dodge.

I'll get to Merrick, you get to Doc.

Because if he's still in town when I get back,

you're going to be one friend less.

Question is, which one? [GUN CLICKS]

You say you have come to take your friend, Amos Merrick,

back to the white man's village.

But I say you shall not.

Your friend, who is our brother, will stay here

safe from the white man's friendship.

You know the laws of the white man.

Amos Merrick is a white man and must live by those laws, Yellow Hawk.

This is my village, my land

and here are only the laws of Yellow Hawk.

These are laws that can be trusted!

You will not take Amos Merrick.

If this is his will, I'd like to hear it from his own lips.

Yellow Hawk speaks for his brother.

I speak for myself.

Hello, Mr. Merrick. Hello, Bat.

Yellow Hawk, many times you've heard me say that it's wrong for me to stay.

Now I must go to my people. Let them hear the truth from me.

When lies are loud, the truth may not be heard.

The truth will be heard. You have my word for it.

Your words are good.

But can you speak for other whites who have accused an innocent man?

He'll have a fair trial. If he's innocent, he'll go free.

That I promise you.

YELLOW HAWK: You have given your word to keep him safe.

Should your word prove false, and he dies for it,

many whites will die.

But you will die first.

AMY: Dad!

Amy! Oh, Dad! Oh, Dad.

I came just as soon as I could.

You shouldn't have come here, honey.

You should have stayed in Hutchinson.

With you here alone? No, school can get along without me.

Thanks, dear.

It does feel better being able to talk to you.

It seems so hopeless fighting for what I believe is right.

Dad, you do believe in what you're fighting for, don't you?

Well, of course, Amy. The Indians are people, just like anyone else.

They're only savage when we make them that way.

But now, it may mean my life.

And even if I were to die now, it wouldn't end there.

Chief Yellow Hawk would see to that.

More bloodshed, more enmity, less understanding.

But you, you didn't kill this man, Dailey, did you?

Oh, no, Amy, no.

I hated him because he made trouble with the Indians, but I didn't kill him.

Then they can't convict you.

Well...

I am sure there's certain people who are going to try very hard.

Do you have a good lawyer?

As good as can be had in these parts.

But I'm counting more on men like Bat Masterson

and Wyatt Earp to see that I get a fair trial.

They believe in the law, Amy, and that's important.

That's all we ask for, a fair trial.

I like the way you said, "We."

I'll sleep better now.

Dad, I'm staying over at the hotel.

I'll come see you in the morning.

And, please don't worry about anything.

Good night, Amy.

Good night, Dad.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

I say we're wasting time, just wasting time.

And I say sit down.

I say lynch Merrick.

[GAVEL BANGING]

Certainly, he gets what he deserves.

Order! Order in the court!

[CLAMORING STOPS]

Sit down, Sutton, or you'll sit out this trial in jail.

We're here to see that justice gets done, legal-like.

Justice? Hanging a man because he's a friend of the Indians?

We ain't hanged anybody yet.

I know you came a long way to be with your father, Ms. Merrick...

But one more word out of you and I'll have to hold you in contempt of court.

You couldn't hold me long enough to match the contempt I have for this court.

[CROWD LAUGHING]

[GAVEL BANGING]

Court's in session.

From your knowledge, Marshal,

were Amos Merrick relations with the deceased Colonel Dailey,

friendly or unfriendly?

It's no secret he didn't like Dailey.

Dailey was always stirring up trouble with the Indians

to make his own army record look good.

Now Mr. Fry, as a cattleman and leading citizen of Dodge City,

you knew Amos Merrick.

Did you ever hear him threaten the life of Colonel Dailey?

Yes, he said Kansas would be better off without Dailey.

Thank you, Mr. Fry.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

When you made peace with the tribes, Mr. Merrick,

did the terms of that peace include the granting of an Indian reserve

in the grass country outside of Dodge City?

Yes.

The big cattlemen don't want that pasture land fenced in.

Your name is Clay Bennett?

Yes, Sir.

You were in Fort Dodge on the night of the murder? Yes, Sir.

Tell us what you saw.

I was standing near the stables.

I saw a man fire a gun through Colonel Dailey's window.

Who was that man?

Him. Amos Merrick.

[PEOPLE CLAMORING] That's a lie.

That'll do it, Bat.

Yellow Hawk said if Merrick dies, many will die.

[GAVEL BANGING] He said you'd be the first.

Then you positively identify the defendant

as the man you saw shoot and kill Colonel Dailey?

Yes, sir.

The prosecution rests.

[CROWD LAUGHING]

He's guilty, old Man Merrick's guilty.

They're hanging him day after tomorrow 12:00 noon in Hays City.

Looks like Clay Bennett's heading for the tall timber.

So would you, Mitch, if it was your say so that got Merrick convicted.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

All right, stand aside.

It may be dangerous here in Dodge,

so you'll be taken to Hays City tomorrow morning.

Then It's up to you to stop the Indians.

Go to Yellow Hawk, make him understand the futility of fighting.

Many lives depend on it.

I'll do what I can, Mr. Merrick.

Mr. Masterson.

Sorry, ma'am, it's been a pretty rough day for you.

You've come a long way to see Dodge City at its worst.

I thought if I were here I could do something.

But I feel so helpless.

You've done a lot just being here.

You will help him, won't you?

Your father's convicted of murder, ma'am.

But he isn't guilty, you know he isn't.

The jury thought so.

If his Indian friends go on the war path because of him,

a lot of innocent people are going to die.

Is it your own life you're worried about?

Among other things.

Out here, Ms. Merrick, a man in my boots is one of three things.

Hard, fast, or dead.

You show courage to come here

when you have failed to protect your white brother.

News travels fast.

All Indian nations know Kiowa, Comanche, Cheyenne...

All await the signal. Then we take him to our land.

If you try to take him, the soldiers will come.

And the wars will begin all over again.

If he dies, the wars begin just the same.

He was tried by his own people in a white man's court.

It's not for the red man to change that.

The white man's court believed the white man's lies.

Bennett's? Yes.

This man was at the river many miles from Fart Dodge

when the white Colonel died.

Can you prove that?

Tell him what you saw.

The man called Bennett...

You saw Bennett there?

At same time he claims to have seen the killing at Fort Dodge?

It is the truth.

Then why didn't you come to the trial and say so?

Would the white man listen to the words of the red man

when Amos Merrick is brother to red man?

Maybe I can prove Bennett was lying.

But you must promise to stay away from our villages and not interfere.

That's the will of Amos Merrick.

We will do as our brother asks and not come to your villages.

The Indian nations will not make war,

so long as Amos Merrick lives.

And you will live no longer.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

We can get started now as soon as your prisoner is ready.

Prisoner's coming out now.

Bring him out, Wyatt.

Give him to us, Wyatt, and save yourself a trip.

CROWD: Yeah. Yeah, let's see him, Wyatt, bring him out.

[CROWD MURMURING IN AGREEMENT]

Anybody got an idea of doing something about it,

take my word, try it, and you'll never do anything else for a long time.

All right, Virgil.

I'm sorry, Miss, it's time to say good bye now.

No, I'm going with you, please.

Too many things might go wrong.

Your father's friends, the Indians and the whites might try to stop us.

Or his enemies might try to lynch him.

Either way, we've got a fight on our hands.

I don't care, I'm going.

Virgil. Good bye, Amy.

Hello, Wyatt. Any luck, Bat?

No. Nobody seems to know where Bennett's gone.

Or if they do, they're not telling.

I shouldn't tell you this, Bat, because it's about Doc Holliday.

What about him? Bat, you can't afford to shoot it out with Doc,

not now.

I know you don't care about yourself,

but you're Merrick's last chance.

Well, I've steered clear of him through the trial,

I guess I can wait thirty six hours more.

How does he figure into this?

Clay Bennett owes Doc $3,000, lost it in a faro game.

So?

Well, do you think Doc Holliday's going to let him skip town,

owing him $3,000 without knowing where he was going?

Thanks, Wyatt.

Dad. Do as they say. Stay here.

Forward. Ho!

NARRATOR: The Indian Nations kept their word.

Kept out of it, and waited for Masterson to keep his.

Waited and watched and made ready.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

I was beginning to think you'd forgotten me, Sheriff.

Or that you didn't want to remember?

I'd like to talk to you. Doc.

There's nothing to talk about.

Wyatt's gone, there's no one here to protect you now.

[CHUCKLES] Nor you.

That's too bad.

I was having a run of luck, now I have to spoil it.

You want it here, or outside?

Oh, I'm not going to draw against you, Doc. Not now anyway.

Not even if I reach for my guns, Bat?

Well, I'd try not to.

But maybe I couldn't help myself a thing like that might be pure reflex.

You're a doctor, you know about reflexes.

mm-hmm.

I know about nerve too, and I think you've lost yours, Masterson.

[LAUGHING]

Ever play drop the handkerchief, Sheriff?

See, I drop it

and then I go for my guns.

How are your reflexes now? [LAUGHING]

[COUGHS]

Why don't you kill me?

You'd be doing me a favor.

I said I want to talk to you, Doc.

It must be important for you to pass a chance like that.

I'm looking for Clay Bennett.

And you think I know where he is?

With him owing you $3,000, yes.

[CHUCKLES] So that's it.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

Bennett's half owner of five thousand head of cattle, pastured outside of town.

That's right. And he put up part of his share, as security.

Security? [CHUCKLES]

See for yourself.

You don't care where Bennett's gone?

Not unless the herd went with him.

You're not even curious? Only for one reason, why are you curious?

Maybe Bennett lied at Merrick's trial. Maybe.

I wouldn't know why, and I care less.

Merrick has enemies, big enemies.

Clay has friends, big friends.

The cattlemen. Yeah.

I know it's a long trail up from Texas, takes plenty of pounds off the beef.

I also know that those boys need that grass land in the spring,

to fatten up their herds before they ship 'em to Abilene in the fall.

Steer'll bring $20 a head more, that way.

So, since I got an interest in a big herd,

I'll stop Merrick, or anyone else,

giving the land back to the Indians.

Bennett's already stopped him,

not with bullets, but with words.

I'm curiously unmoved by all of this.

You'll be moved if the Indians attack. [LAUGHING]

[COUGHS]

We're all going to die, someday, Masterson.

It's only a question of time.

I say more power to the cattlemen.

The more money those saddle-tramps make,

the more I take away from them at cards.

[CHUCKLES]

The black ace...

My lucky card.

You're a sick man, Doc.

Sick all the way through.

Then keep away from me, Masterson, if you don't want to catch something fatal.

I don't know where Bennett is,

and you'd be the last man I'd tell if I did.

I'm kinda of glad you didn't help me, Doc.

I'd hate to owe you a favor.

Hold it, Ms. Merrick.

Aren't you heading the wrong way?

I wanted to see what you'd found out from Doc Holliday.

They told me you were talking to him.

He didn't feel like talking.

Then let me talk to him.

I don't think you'd better, Ms. Merrick.

I believe I heard my name mentioned.

You are Doc Holliday, aren't you?

Can I be of service? Stay out of this, Doc.

Really, Sheriff, you're overstepping your authority.

And being terribly rude.

If this uncouth character is annoying you, Miss, it would be my pleasure to remove him.

Don't stake too much on my promise, Doc.

He's poison, Ms. Merrick.

He's obviously the first gentleman I've met since coming to Dodge City.

Thank you, Miss.

That lets you out, Masterson. Yeah.

Yes, I feel out of place in such high society.

They say you know something that can help my father.

Well, as much as I dislike Masterson, Ms. Merrick, I did tell him the truth.

However, if I were Clay Bennett,

and I were married to a beautiful woman, that's where I'd be now.

Where? Well, Bennett's wife is a singer

at the Red Front Saloon, in Quolari.

She calls herself Dallas Corey.

Oh, thank you. Thank you very much.

Cute little filly, Doc.

You thinking of slapping a brand on her?

You have an unfortunate choice of words, Mr. Fry.

It might be better if you didn't speak of the lady at all.

I'm sorry Doc, I apologize. I didn't understand.

No, you wouldn't.

Who could understand the scent of lilac in the stench of Dodge City?

If you'll forget what I said, Doc,

I'd like to talk over a little business proposition with you.

My business is gambling.

Well, Sir, what I have to offer, is something of a gamble.

You'll have to kill Bat Masterson one of these days.

I'm willing to bet I can pick the day.

These are my business hours, Mr. Fry.

See me in my office.

You sure you want these, innocent bystanders listening?

They're my men.

What's it worth to you to see Masterson dead?

Raise fifty.

You have your own gunslingers.

If you're so anxious to get rid of Masterson you know where he is.

Go get him. Oh, I'm a business man.

I deal in cattle and nothing else. My men aren't killers.

And I am, is that it?

Well, there's no one faster with a gun than you, and you know it.

Except maybe Masterson.

Of course it can't be proved until I kill him

or vice versa.

I have to hate real hard when I shoot a man, Fry,

otherwise I begin to think about things.

Maybe about his girl,

or his wife, or his children,

or maybe about the fellows he owes money to.

I find myself, sympathizing.

My hand isn't steady,

my conscience becomes a devil that rides

my shoulders and obscures my aim.

And it's most difficult to hate when you're making money.

I'm offering you a business proposition, Doc, and all you're giving me is words.

Perhaps those words are beyond your comprehension.

Raise.

Hating Masterson is one of the few pleasures left to me, Fry.

I'd like to do it in my time, when it pleases me.

Not when It happens to please someone else.

I see what you're up to now, Doc.

You're bargaining, raising the ante.

DOC: You men have lost enough.

Yeah. You're right.

Let's all go over to the hotel where we can talk straight.

Maybe I can interest you in a little game where nobody loses,

but Masterson.

It's hardly a good day's work, gentlemen.

Your hotel, Mr. Fry.

We'd like to bet $5,000 you won't kill Masterson in the next 36 hours.

DOC: Hmm.

And if it happens that I do?

We lose, the money's yours.

Thirty six hours? That's an odd coincidence.

That's exactly how long Merrick has to live,

unless Masterson can clear him.

Air in hotel rooms always has a foul smell.

No bet gentlemen. I don't kill for profit.

But on the other hand, I just as soon kill Masterson

for nothing, so that disposes of the ethics.

CHARLIE: Then what's stopping you?

Call it a superstition. Every gambler has one.

To me, killing is a jinx. It never fails to break a winning streak,

and I'm having one.

But, win or lose, if I kill a man, it's for personal reasons.

And personally, I don't like any of you any more than I like Masterson.

It didn't work Charlie.

No, but this will.

I'm taking some men from each of your outfits for a vigilante committee.

We're going to make sure Merrick's dead before he gets to Hays City.

Well, you win, Ms. Merrick.

If Clay Bennett's in Quolari, I'll find him.

Something sure must've come over Doc when he saw you.

He was very helpful.

You worked a miracle then,

looking at you, of course I can even understand Doc,

for the first time.

Where is Quolari?

On the way to Hays City, in the right direction, anyway.

Take me along, take me with you.

I'm trying to beat the clock, ma'am.

But you can't leave me here, not knowing.

I'm sorry.

[DRUM PLAYING IN DISTANCE]

DOC: Hello, Masterson.

I can see by your face, this is a pleasant surprise.

What are you doing here?

You knew I had to come.

And since you refused to escort the lady, it became my pleasure.

And by a strange coincidence, I just happen to be going the same way.

As far as I'm concerned, Doc, you can go to Quolari,

or any other place, but not with me.

Can't let you go alone, Sheriff.

We have some unfinished business.

Quiet.

What do they mean?

You'll have to ask him, Ms. Merrick.

He's the big Indian scout.

They say a large party of riders,

is gathering at Ransom Pass.

That's on the trail the coach is taking to Hays City.

It may mean an attempt to rescue your father or to lynch him.

What can we do?

Ransom Pass is this side of Quolari.

We may be able to get there before the coach does.

Then we're coming along, with or without your permission.

I've got a surprise for your, Doc.

Now I want you to come.

You're good with a gun, and I can use you.

We'll settle our dispute later.

All right, men, take your positions.

[GUN SHOTS]

[HORSE NEIGHING]

Head for the pass.

Hee-yah!

Forward... Ho!

Dismount. Clear the road.

[GUN SHOTS]

Well, shall we join the others?

Bat and Doc Holliday together?

Virgil's hurt, Doc.

I don't know where you came from...

Let's find out where they came from, first.

BAT: Mitch Connors, one of the men who wanted to lynch Merrick.

Keep your hand pressed there.

You did a fine job, Doc.

Just patchwork, enough to hold you together until we get to Quolari.

You haven't forgotten how to be a doctor, have you?

Some things a man doesn't forget, try as he may...

Thanks.

Stay with him.

The road's cleared, Marshall. Better get your prisoner in the coach,

we're ready to move.

I'll go on ahead, may run into Bennett in Quolari.

We'll be passing through a few hours after sundown.

Let's hope you've found him by then.

I'm sticking with the coach as far as Quolari,

until Virgil's out of danger.

No one's out of danger until this trip's over.

I'll take the girl with me. It'll be safer that way.

Don't think you're losing me, Sheriff.

I'll catch up with you.

I want to make sure you don't get yourself killed, by someone else.

Are you sure Clay Bennett is here?

No, but if we can't find Clay

maybe we can keep Masterson from looking.

Why'd you have to come back, Clay?

Ain't I had enough trouble with you?

Man's got a right to see his wife any time he wants.

I thought I was rid of you.

I was doing good in this town, I was something.

You're my wife. So I'm back to nothing.

Well, I won't lie for you. I won't cover up for you!

I think you'd better, Mrs. Bennett. Just this once.

Help you hang an innocent man?

It's him or us. Well, it ain't me.

I'll talk to Masterson.

You treat her too good, Clay.

I'll take care of her and Masterson, too.

You didn't take such good care of yourself.

Lighting out like a scared jack rabbit from the trial.

You act guilty, people get to think.

But I ain't guilty, Charlie, and don't forget who is.

I forgot it, Clay.

You'd better. Well, I didn't mean it like that, Charlie.

Always prided myself on being a judge of men.

I'd sure take it hard if you disappointed me.

TYLER: Charlie.

There's Masterson now. He's got the girl with him.

You'll have a chance to talk to Masterson, Mrs. Bennett. Right here in this room.

And I'm going give you a chance to justify my faith in you, Clay.

You'll be in that closet,

with this.

I won't let you down, Charlie.

You can't afford to. The boys will be downstairs and outside this building.

If Masterson comes out of this room standing up,

he won't leave this saloon that way,

and neither will you, or her.

Doc was right.

Town's full of Bennett's friends.

Clay must be in there.

What're you going to do?

If he was telling the truth, I'll have no trouble talking to him.

This is one time I want trouble.

He must have lied.

My father's innocent, or you wouldn't be risking your life to prove it.

Well, let's hope we can.

I know how you feel about your father, Amy.

It's hard for you to be realistic.

Haven't you ever loved anyone that much?

Enough to be unrealistic?

Yeah, once.

Who was she?

A dance-hall girl, Sweetwater, Texas.

There was an army sergeant.

Ah, the jealous kind. He told me to keep away from her, but I didn't.

He broke in one night while we were together,

and, well, she jumped between us just as he fired.

She died.

First man I ever killed.

I'm sorry.

Bat...

[CHUCKLES] Is that really a name? Bat?

[LAUGHS]

William Barclay Masterson.

It says in the family Bible.

When I was a kid we lived by a big cave that was full of bats.

I used to go target practicing there.

Folks used to say nobody could ever hit a crazy zigzagging bat on the wing.

So, I had to try.

Kept trying, kept trying till I could.

Then they called me the boy who shot the bats.

Finally shook down to just Bat.

Well...

Lock the door and don't let anybody else in.

Be careful, Bat.

Masterson's coming out of the hotel and headed this way.

Clay,

you never get more than one shot at Masterson.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

Any idea where I can find Dallas Corey?

She's upstairs. Thanks.

You are long way from home, Sheriff.

You too, Charlie. Nice to see so many familiar faces in the crowd.

Looks like the Dodge City jail on Saturday night.

[CHUCKLES] Well, me and some of the boys

are on our way to Hays City to take in the hanging.

Eh, when that stagecoach passes through here in a few minutes, Charlie,

you'll, eh, sort of cool the boys off, won't ya?

Just in case they get ideas?

Oh, they ain't have to, Bat.

Not with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday aboard.

Funny you should say that. Doc didn't get aboard until Ransom Pass.

See you around.

Find Joe Mann and tell him to meet me in back of the hotel.

All right.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Come in.

Dallas Corey. Yes.

Mrs. Clay Bennett?

[CHUCKLES] Don't remind me.

My name is Bat Masterson. Is it?

Yeah, I'm looking for Clay.

Well, you missed him. He was here, but he headed back to

Dodge City or someplace.

Ah, that's too bad...

He was in kind of a jam and I hoped I could help him out of it.

Help him? Yeah.

Well, I guess I'll have to

wait till I get back to Dodge.

Thanks.

There is a derringer under this hat, Mister. You're covered.

Don't come out all at once.

Let's see your hands first.

Throw it over here.

All right, all the way.

He bluffed you.

I don't care. I'm glad he did.

I'm no killer, Bat...

Maybe not. But the way that curtain was shaking, well...

[LAUGHING] I'd just hate to make a sudden move

when a nervous man has a gun on me.

Charlie Fry's gun at that.

For once in your life tell the truth.

It might be your last chance.

It war Fry's idea. Why?

He's out to stop Merrick's plan to give land to the Indians.

You must've guessed it by now. It was Fry killed Dailey.

Fry's waiting downstairs.

Yeah. I know it.

He said if Clay didn't get you, him and the boys would.

Said he'd kill all of us, you, me, her.

He might do it, too.

He's got plenty of men.

Pretty well covered outside too.

You've got to get me out of this, Bat. He'll kill me.

Now that would be a real loss to the world.

I'll do anything you say.

There's only one way out of it. What is it?

Well, it looks like, I'll have to kill you.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING] [SOFT MUSIC PLAYING]

[GUN SHOT] [MUSIC STOPS]

[CRYING]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

Hold it.

What happened, Bat?

Bennett tried to shoot me in the back.

He was hiding behind those curtains.

The lady saw it.

[CRYING] You killed him!

It was self-defense.

He's still got the gun in his hands.

You see it don't you?

Sure.

Sure, I see it. Self-defense.

How about the rest of you? You see it?

Yeah, I see it!

Sure, it was self-defense, Bat.

All right, now clear out of here and send up the coroner.

I'm taking the body back to Dodge City with me.

Too bad for you, Bat. What do you mean?

Looks like you killed your own star witness.

Now you'll never know if Clay was lying.

[DALLAS COREY CRYING]

I'm wasting my talent as a singer.

I should have been a dramatic actress. [LAUGHING]

[DOOR OPENS]

Oh, ho.

Don't touch him.

Now's our chance. They're all downstairs taking a look at Merrick.

On your feet, Clay.

Here, that man ain't dead.

No, but you will be if you don't cooperate.

Of course, Sheriff. Anything at all, anything you say.

All right, Clay. Let's move.

Where is Masterson?

No need to wait on him, Marshal.

Masterson's heading back to Dodge City,

with Clay Bennett.

Then he did find him.

But if Bat talked to Bennett why is he going back?

Bat didn't have a chance to talk to him, ma'am. He killed him.

He what?

Yes, ma'am, in self-defense.

Too bad he had to do it.

Now nothing can hold up the hanging.

Well, I guess Bat did what he had to do.

Sorry, Merrick. We'd better get started.

No, it can't go like this.

But it has, Amy.

Forward! Ho!

Oh, Doc...

You heard what Masterson did?

Yes.

Why Doc, why?

Well, when you shoot at something that wants to shoot back...

It's generally because you don't have much choice.

[SOBS] There must have been another way.

Bennett was my father's last hope.

[SOBS] And Bat killed him.

Don't torture yourself. All this...

It'll seem like a bad dream someday.

But you don't belong in it.

There's nothing more you can do now.

So you've got to get away, far away.

And I'll go with you,

if you'll let me.

You?

I've come this far because you needed me.

Now I know that I need you too.

No, Doc.

No, I'm sorry...

I didn't know you felt that way.

And even if I felt anything more than gratitude...

I couldn't...

Of course you couldn't.

Why should you tie yourself to a dying man? I was wrong.

I don't need anybody, I never have.

Doc, please, it isn't that.

Then what is it? Masterson?

Get up there.

Bat, Bat, you're not leaving me alone here.

I'm going back for the women,

it wouldn't be safe to leave them behind.

We'd make better time without them.

Get up there and stay put.

Keep quiet. I'll get you later.

What's Fry want me for?

You'll see when you get there, Joe.

Every time Fry wants me, it's trouble.

Why can't he talk to me regular?

Why in back of the hotel?

You're lucky he even talks to you at all

after the way you cold decked him back In Dodge.

I'd oven say you was lucky you got out of that game with your skin.

I've made it up to Mr. Fry.

I've done him favors since that time.

And you keep on doing 'em, Joe.

All right.

All right, I can say what's on my mind, can't I?

Sure, as long as you keep walking towards that hotel at the same time.

Fry isn't out to get me, is he? I haven't done anything.

Ask him. CHARLIE: Hello, Joe.

Hello, Fry.

You can go now, Tyler. Joe and I have private business.

You aren't mad about something, Mr. Fry?

That depends upon the answer you give me.

Answer?

You been keeping in practice, Joe?

You know better, Mr. Fry. I haven't dealt a crooked game since Dodge.

Perhaps. It's the truth, I swear it.

Well, that's too bad.

I'd be willing to forget that little game in Dodge

and pay you $500 besides.

Five hundred dollars?

All you've got to do is win from Doc Holliday.

Mr. Fry, I'm not crazy.

No, but you're good, Joe. The best I've ever seen.

I don't think even Holliday can tell how you're dealing.

No, no, he'd, he'd kill me.

My boys will be there to see that he doesn't.

You just get Holliday started on a losing streak.

I don't think it'd be too much trouble.

Doc's got other things on his mind.

Are you sure your boys be around?

I guarantee it.

I'd get quite a reputation at that.

Beating Holliday.

Sure, Joe. You'd be a big man.

That is if you haven't lost the old touch.

When I'm playing, these don't shake.

Good. You get the game started and I'll steer Holliday into it.

What'll we drink to now, Doc?

Let's not drink to anything. Let's just drink.

Looks like I guessed wrong about you and Masterson.

What do you mean?

Never thought you could keep from killing him this long.

I told you once, Mister, I got a superstition.

I've been riding a winning streak at cards, and I won't quit,

if I can help it.

You mean If you lost, there'd be nothing to stop you?

Not if a man crossed me, Masterson or anyone else.

I wonder if my luck has changed.

Deal me in.

Well, I guess, I'll pay my respects to the widow.

Wait outside.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Come in.

Where's the body?

And where are you going?

Well, the coroner took the body.

Masterson's corning back for me in a few minutes.

I aim to ass that Clay gets a decent burial.

I never thought you'd take it so hard. [SCOFFS]

I hated him.

But how would it look if I didn't take It hard?

You're a smart girl, Dallas. I like smart girls.

But I don't think I'd leave town right now.

Not with Masterson.

Why not? Bat doesn't give up so easy.

You might let something slip. Why take a chance?

Stay till after the hanging.

Oh, why, I won't talk, Charlie.

I know it.

If Clay had your nerve he'd be alive right how.

But I'd take it kind of hard if you didn't do as I said.

Well, well, looks like we have a historic landmark.

The bullet that Bat Masterson used to shut Clay Bennett's mouth.

I think I'll keep this as a souvenir.

A lucky bullet for you, Charlie.

Went in kind of high.

Must have hit him right between the eyes. Yeah.

Yeah, between the eyes.

It wasn't pretty.

You won't be either, Dallas, if you try to cross me.

Bat, I... I feel like such a fool.

Then think how Fry's going to feel.

I should have known you wouldn't kill Bennett.

Well, he's one dead man who's still got a tale to tell. Wait!

[MEN LAUGHING INDISTINCTLY]

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

Wait here. Keep out of sight.

I've got to get Dallas out of there.

[INDISTINCT LAUGHTER]

Aren't you even going to say, "Hello," Doc?

After all we've been to each other?

I've had about all I can take of you, Masterson.

[LAUGHING] Now I feel better. Hope you win.

Pray I win.

Meaning what?

I haven't forgotten our date.

Only thing stops me from keeping it now is that I can't quit when I'm ahead.

When you're ready to cash in, look me up.

Save yourself some trouble, Bat.

Dallas ain't going back to Dodge City, changed her mind.

That's the lady's privilege.

But I'll hear it from her.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

Doc's throwing money around like

it's going out of style. Yeah.

He can't keep winning that way.

Maybe he don't want to win.

Gage, you and Sutton and five of the best gun hands stay with me.

Tyler, you take the rest of the men and go on ahead.

I want to make sure Masterson really does go back to Dodge City,

just in case things go wrong in that card game.

It's a nice night for a funeral. Uh?

Oh, it's you, Mr. Fry.

Yes, it is. It's a nice night.

Poor old Clay.

Where'd Masterson hit him?

Where'd he hit him you say? Hmm.

Right in the heart. Killed him instant.

I guess Masterson's even better with a gun than they say.

Imagine hitting a man in the heart

and between the eyes with the same bullet?

Now, what do you mean by that?

I mean I think I ought to have a look in that coffin, Mister.

Oh, no, sir. That's against the law.

[STUTTERING] You can't do that.

Come on, Mister, climb down.

Uh, but who'll hold the horses?

Come on, quit stalling.

All right, Sir. If you want me to come down,

you got to help me.

Yes, sir, just back up a step, 'cause I...

Come on, Mister. I'm coming, yes, Sir.

Thank you.

What can I do, Bat?

Nothing now. You'll just have to play along with Fry.

I'll pick you up later.

[INDISTINCT SPEAKING]

Bet it all.

Bat. Where's the hearse?

Bat, I saw them. Fry knows you tricked him.

When you go to the livery stable to get your horse, he'll be waiting for you.

That's where I've got Bennett. I'd better get over there.

Bat, he has six men with him. He'll kill you.

You've got to get someone to help you.

How? There's nobody in this town I can trust.

[ALL WHISPERING]

You lose, Doc.

This is everything I've got left in the world,

except my guns, horse and saddle.

High card wins.

Sorry, Doc.

You coming back, Doc?

I'm not sure.

AMY: Doc! Doc!

Doc, Fry and six men are waiting at the livery stable to kill Bat.

He's all alone, Doc. You got to go after him.

It's what I had in mind, anyway.

[GUN SHOTS]

[GRUNTING]

Now I know what Wyatt meant. Thanks, Doc.

Oh, don't thank me.

After all, how would it look, if I'd needed half the town

to help me kill Bat Masterson?

I had my reputation to consider.

That's not the real reason, Doc.

No, I had very little to offer the girl.

A couple of years at the most.

So, I thought I'd leave her something to remember me by...

You...

Well, thanks.

Whoa.

Well, Marshal, we made it. I guess I'll be heading back to the post.

Thanks, Lieutenant.

Hiya, Charlie.

You're in plenty of time for the hanging, be thirty minutes yet.

If we wait that long, it won't be Merrick who'll hang.

What?

Bennett talked, Masterson's on his way.

Well, it wouldn't be much of a trick to get this crowd to take over.

Tell the others.

You men help me get this crowd started.

Get Merrick out of jail and hang him before Masterson gets here.

You men talk it up when I get started. All right.

What are we waiting for, men?

Let's lynch him. Yeah, let's lynch him. String him up.

Come on, folks, come on down here.

CROWD: Come on. What are we waiting for?

All right, all of you, come on up here.

What are you waiting for? Let's spring him out of jail now and string him up.

Why should we wait another half hour?

What do you say?

What's Merrick ever meant to you?

Let's go!

[PEOPLE CHANTING]

[CROWD CLAMORING]

First man who try to take Merrick out of here, won't live to see him hang.

Come on, let's get it over with.

Yeah.

[CLAMORING]

[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]

Try and got these horses out of here.

[SHOUTING]

Bat, Bat, I'm going to him.

No, you're not. You're going in there

and you're staying in there.

[CLAMORING]

[GRUNTING]

[GUN SHOTS]

We're starting back now, are you ready?

Yeah, where's Doc?

He isn't coming.

He said to tell you he's gone off looking for a card game.

Says he feels lucky again.

[LAUGHS]

We wanted to thank him.

Well, we can thank him later, Amy.

Bettor not, Doc says he can't afford to have you for a friend, Bat.

Says you've cost him a fortune already.

NARRATOR: When Merrick returned,

peace returned with him to the tribes of Kansas.

Doc Holliday drifted with his luck until it ran out.

Bat Masterson laid down his guns and road east

to become a famous newspaperman.

But out West, they'll always remember him...

...as Masterson of Kansas.