Original subtitles

♫ GREAT SPIRIT

♫ SPIRIT OF THW BUFFALO THAT ROAMS

♫ THE PLAIN

♫ ARE YOU GONE FOREVER

♫ NEVER EVER FOR TO ROAM AGAIN

♫ GREAT SPIRIT

♫ GUIDE US IN YOUR WISDOM

♫ TO OUR DESTINY

♫ WE WIKK FOLLOW BLINDLY

♫ BLINDLY TO OUR FATE

♫ THAT IS TO BE

♫ LET YOUR WILL BE KNOWN

♫ MAKE YOUR WILL OUR OWN

♫ GREAT SPIRIT

♫ AS YOU LED OUR FATHERS

♫ IN THE DAYS OF YORE

♫ LEAD US TO THE HAPPY

♫ FUNTING GROUND TO DWELL

♫ FOREVERMORE

These are the Black Hills of Dakota.

The Sioux Indians named the Slain

It is their word for friendly

There are seven warrior tribes in the Sioux Nation

and I have prayed that the Dakota and its Hills

would be too rough for the white man and his flowers

But once again the white man comes

I watched their coming with a sad heart.

There are few now,

but I know that many will come

for they seek the white man's treasure……

Gold.

I am Sitting Bull.

The leader of the Sioux Nation

My people are spread to the far corners of our land.

This is Crazy Horse, my warrior chieftain.

And these

and some of my people.

See, Crazy Horse,

the wagons come without scouts ahead.

These men come to our land

as if they owned it.

They're like white men's cattle…

full bellies stupid and slow.

But there is food in the wagon.

This our people need more than they need fresh scouts.

Further, come on.

Ho! Halt!

Scouts, get over there and check on those gunshots.

Yes. sir.

All right, let's move out.

Troop, Ho!

Run them down.

Scalp, kill!

No, let them go.

We will kill if we must.

Now take what our women and children need

for the journey to the Rosebud.

Save our fighting braves for the real wars

When the deer run, does the wolf pack hide?

Wise leader eats when he can.

Hit those strengths for the day when he must fight

To live.

what is it?

A bunch of bleeding Siouxs jumped our wagons.

Minutes ago!

- Get after him, soldier! - They're looting our wagons,

Attacked them.

what are you waiting for?

Are you the leader of these hey banders?

We're honest prospectors.

What are you doing in indian territory ?

Minding our own business.

When you left the port you were told to go either east or south.

so we took the wrong road.

Are you gonna chase them injuns or aren't ya ?

It was a raid for food, major.

they're Sioux.

All right

Your men follow us back to the fort

Are you gonna let them go?

Yes.

I'll drive a hard case against you, soldier.

and I'll drive my fist down your throat if you open your mouth again.

Get back to the end of the column.

Hurry up!

Keep those scissor bills in our dust all the way back to the fort.

Forward!

March !

- I'll speak to your general about this. - Go ahead.

Hello, Cathy.

What's the matter Bob ?

In trouble again.

Me!

What gives you that idea?

How many men did you lose ?

None. Two wonded.

We lost all our supplies.

Colonel Custer.

Major Parrish reporting, sir.

I'll talk to you later on, Mr O'Connor.

Just so you talk to him first.

Well, major?

That man and his bunch were in Sioux territory.

My orders were to ride patrol for just such a violation of the Indian treaty.

An officer, major, is supposed to be able to exercise a certain amount of initiative.

As a member of my regiment I issued you your orders.

I did not set them in concrete.

My head isn't set in concrete.

To save a bunch of rag tailed prospectors, I could've ridden the whole

command into ambush.

Give me the full report, major.

Those people use this fort to buy their supplies in.

Then they lie in their teeth about where they're going.

They go into Sioux territory and slaughter the game.

Why, they shoot every indian they see,

even if he's older, harmless enough,

and then hides in the treaties!

They don't mean anything to them.

Words on paper.

...admitting every word of that to be true

It's outside your providence as a soldier.

we are all here to obey orders.

An order seemed to be something real stumbling block for you.

major, you've been a burr

under my saddle ever since you came West.

You were an aide to General Grant when I first knew you as a colonel

Now you seem to be traveling downwards in rank.

Well, we seem to be traveling the same direction, Colonel Custer.

You used to be a general.

Gentlemen, that's enough

Colonel Custer has suggested an assignment for you, major.

You're going back where Sioux Raiders aren't likely to bother you.

The assignment is a Red Rock Agency.

Red Rock.

The period of duty is one year.

Refuse the assignment,

and I suggest you turn in your resignation.

You'll pull out tomorrow, major.

Relieve the troop at the agency,

police the Indians there.

Any questions?

No sir.

And thank you, sir.

A year out of circulation will do him good.

If anything will, Sir.

Excuse me. Colonel.

I want to have a little talk with Cathy

Before he comes over to see her.

Maybe you'd better, sir.

If she makes him your son in law.

I don't envy either of you.

I was listening.

I heard what you had to say to Colonel Custer.

Well, go ahead and say it.

I failed you again.

It's not me.

You fail. It's yourself.

Look, I know Red Rock isn't

exactly what I had planned for our...

There'll be no honeymoon, Bob.

Our engagement is finished.

Well, good !

Good, I don't like long engagements either.

When do we get married?

We're not getting married !

I've made up my mind,

Through.

Cathy, you're just upset.

I'm not upset!

And I want you to listen to me.

The man I'm marrying has to do more than just love me.

He has to place our future together, our happiness.

above everything else

All I need is a chance.

Chance?

You've got a thousand chances! Chance ?

You've got a thousand chances!

Why, you could be commanding a regiment, right now.

Is it discipline that galls you ?

Is it lack of action.

What?

Maybe I've got a few plans that don't suit these bluebellies patriots

Who like to go around fluttering in there just to keep the name in print.

This Indian thing has become an obsession with you.

Why don't you let Washington handle it,

or quit the army altogether.

Quit?

And then what?

Anything, dig ditches if you like.

Yes, I did so much.

So long as you dug the best and the straightest.

Oh Bob, I shall get a start anywhere on earth.

But you've got to want to

fight your way to the top,

To be the best at anything you tackle.

Just gotta be the best man.

The man I marry, yes.

And you wouldn't marry me

if I was just a rear trooper in the ranks.

I'd marry you whatever you were

if that's where you were starting out.

A woman wants to be proud of her husband.

Where you've been going, why,

be a barrack tag on my life.

Good view.

Here's your ring, Bob.

If you ever give one to another woman.

put her and your future

first thing in your mind.

I had an idea that a girl like you

could stand an Indian agency for a year.

You'd still be in the army?

Yes.

I'd still be in the army.

Good bye, Bob

You said it all right there.

- Major! - Yes

Bring the water!

What's your name

Nosabe

We're trying to help you

Where you from?

Agency.

Red Rock?

Talk to him.

The Young Buffalo, son of Sitting Bull.

Sitting Bull? - Better you let him go, Major.

Here!

Go away.

Let's go find that agency.

White Cloud, young papa go...

White Cloud!

You are sick my husband!

What has happened ?

I must go to my father.

Many of our people are dying in that agency.

My father, men and women ,

old and young,

some very young, all starving.

Why don't you speak, father.

What words are there to speak in this great sadness of my son.

So you will send fighting-men

Spill blood for blood.

For every Indian who dies in an agency, take ten.

No, ten hundred scalp

Chief Crazy Horse speaks with a wise tongue, father

War drums have been silent for many moons.

Our fighting men are scattered to the seven Nations.

I can only send word of hope to those prisoners.

Words! What is the us of words to people caged like dogs?

These people have not lifted a weapon against any man.

White agent order the soldiers to huerd them southward,

to the swamp!

Our people would not go.

For this they are punished and starved,

and still you won't make war.

I will send them word, they're not forgotten.

And I will pray to the Great Spirit.

Give me a day to rest, I will go back.

No, not your own son, Sitting Bull.

Send another.

He has suffered enough.

It will be the best proof,

that my father would not forget them.

I will go back.

Tell them this.

I will try to make peace with a white man.

If that fails,

then they will hear our war cries

and the shouts of fighting braves.

But first I must call all the Chiefs to councill.

SOLDIER: - [ Troop ! Halt ! ]

SOLDIER: - [ To left ! Ho ! ]

What is this, Major.

Who are we relieving ?

find a billet, sergant.

let the men settle.

Dismount!

Well, pickle my bones.

Colonel Parrish.

Major

Major

Sorry to hear that.

What are you running here, captain?

A flophouse or an army pool?

This is Red Rock agency, sir.

The Good Lords gift to the Indian.

What's that over there?

The stockade.

The winds right about now, can't you smell it?

I want to see it.

You'd better have a drink for it.

Guard.

Open it.

What's this all about?

They're renegades, according to Webber.

Who's Webber?

He's the agent in charge here.

These Indians refused the reservation, they wanted their own home.

Well that's an odd thing for people to want.

Webber been trying to starve them into obedience.

Major Paris reporting, sir, to relieve captain Swing.

I am busy, Major, please wait.

All I want is an order to release food, blankets and medicine.

That army...

Did they send you without your regular military supplies?

My supplies are intact, sir.

I want to spread it around the Indians up there.

Spread around the Indians?

All you can spare.

You are here to police this agency, Major, and not to run it.

But those Indians are dying like dogs.

Those Indians are like dogs, renegade dogs.

They have refused to obey my orders.

Get your troops settled, Major.

It'll be plenty of time to discuss these matters

in the next 12 months

What about... - That's all, Major.

Chiefs

I have come back to share your troubles.

Until my father can send help.

You have come only to share death with us.

Tomorrow we try to go from here.

Better to die in the open.

Fighting.

Than rot like sick dogs in a pan.

But the long knives....

The soldiers...

Some will get through.

My father is holding counsel.

His advice is to wait.

We have waited too long now.

You see we are ready.

Go back to your father,

Young Buffalo.

Some of your braves could escape as I did, and join my father.

We'll not leave women and children,

and the older, the weak, in this misery.

I will help you make the fire arrows.

All of you troops!

Forward! Ho!

I'm glad to see Swain go.

Why?

Morale was getting low with his troops...

Bordering on doubt.

Give your man exercise, encourage sports.

I'll run the military end of it.

Mr. Webber.

You stick to your business.

I was a military man when you were a pup,

Major Parrish.

In an army where discipline came first!

A European army.

I thought so.

Your orders will be posted at nine o'clock every morning.

What time do you feed those Indians ?

Once a day,

at sunset .

Any other questions?

No.

Sergeant?

Yes, sir.

What is that?

It's Indians feeds, sir.

This stuff would sicken a hog.

For a fact. It would.

Taste that.

Take it away.

Do you expect those Indians out there to eat that?

Those Indians are being disciplined.

They refused to march to the railhead for shipment to Buttler.

The government pays good money for food,

blankets and medicine.

Where is it gone?

I am in charge of this agency, and responsible

to the Bureau and not to the army, Major.

Taste it!

Is this is a joke?

I am not trying to be funny! Taste it !

- I'll have you... - I said taste it !

Major! Major! The prisoners are breaking out!

What's your order, sir?

After them! Shoot! Shoot!

Let them go!

Major, I warn you!

Order your men to shoot them down.

You hear me!

I'm afraid I do.

Hold you fire!

Hold you fire! Dont shoot!

This is an order for you to shoot them down.

I am ordering you!

Open the gates. Go! Go out!

Go!

Mount your troop!

Get after them!

Cathy!

Cathy!

A gal like me can stand an Indians agency for a year.

At least you said so.

Bob.

What... What is all this...?

What happened here?

You'll know soon enough, I'm afraid.

Last night, Parrish,

I sent a telegraph to the railhead.

Reply from Washington has just come back.

Instructions to place you

under arrest for court martial.

Sergeant.

Take charge of your prisoner.

Miss Howell, is a general's daughter. Mr. Webber.

The words "court martial"

should be mentioned only in a whisper.

Would you explain this to me. Mr.Webber

He came here and openly insulted me.

I had Indian prisoners,

dangerous renegades under discipline.

He went among them, stirred them up into an outbreak.

And finally refused

to allow his troops to stop the escape.

After all we talked about...

You have heard his version of it.

Now listen to mine.

I don't need to hear it.

Mr. Webber, tell the escort we're returning to the fort.

The pleasure is ours.

Immediately.

Sorry, sir.

Sitting Bull.

Come.

My son.

Now will you make war?

Leave me...

with my grief.

Great Spirit!

Father of my Fathers!

Here lies the body of my son...

killed without reason!

Listen to the death chant of the women!

Listen to the war cries of the chiefs!

Give me your counsel, Mighty One!

Must there be war?

Is this land not big enough for all people?

Guide me now,

oh, God of my people.

war or peace...

war or peace?

We can have war or peace out there. Mr.President.

It'll depend on how we treat the Indians.

You were called here to explain your

conduct at the Red Rock agency,

nothing more, Parrish.

All I did was try to prevent a slaughter.

The tribunal thought enough of that defense

to recommend a dishonorable discharge.

Why didn't the tribunal try Webber?

Because the Bureau got rid of Webber.

And don't yell at me.

I'm sorry, Sir.

All I have to do now is sign this discharge.

Then you can go up and down the land,

spouting your ideas.

Being the civilian.

You'll be under no army discipline,

and discipline seems to be the thorn in your side.

Sit down.

You had a brilliant military

career ahead of you, Parrish.

Youngest colonel in my command.

Medal of Honor!

And well earned.

Out west I thought you'd go to the top.

Just what are you trying to do?

Get yourself demoted all the way down?

May I speak freely, sir?

Go ahead.

You don't settle Indian troubles by shooting

Sitting Bull's son in the back.

I know that.

I suppose you have a plan to maintain

Sitting Bull grow flowers around his teepee

We're dealing with the whole Sioux Nation.

For a thousand years these people have roamed

this country from Oklahoma to Canada,

from Minnesota to the Tetons.

Ten thousand braves, seven Nations.

There are a proud people.

They'd be fighting us now with every drop of blood that was in it,

But for one thing.

What's that ?

Sitting Bull,

their spiritual leader.

The man that they look up to even more, than

Crazy Horse and the fighting Chiefs.

Sitting Bull alone is holding

these people in check.

Why?

May be it's because he knows that

the next war will be the end of his people.

Mr. President.

Bring Sitting Bull here to Washington.

Treat him with a dignity and the respect that he deserves.

And prove to him that our treaties mean something

That they're not just words on paper.

Do you think you could get Sitting Bull

to come here to a council?

I can try.

That is, if my hide is not hung on a fence by my superior officers

the minute I set foot in Dakota.

Our Chinese friends would call it a "chock gee".

What do your Indians call it?

Medicine, sir.

Heap big medicine.

Well, that will gets you

over the top of army orders, captain.

Captain?

In the interest of army discipline,

I'm reducing your rank.

Very good, sir.

Your trouble in the Sioux territory so far,

has been a "tea party".

But now there's something else waiting there for you.

What's that, sir?

A rush on the Black Hills.

They've discovered gold.

Gold?

You'd better arrange that meeting with Sitting Bull.

No! No! No!.. Imagine a dirty redskin trying to steal our claim?

What will we do with him?

Give her a shovel, let her bury him.

And now another kind comes.

This one wants gold.

He is worse than their long knives and their blue coats.

This one brings his women.

He shoots without orders from his chiefs.

He kills the game he cannot eat.

He fouls the clear water.

He has come to stay.

Drive him out!

While they're still game, drive them back.

Wise as you are, Sitting Bull.

Put on the war paint.

Yes! Put on the war paint!

Speak, Sitting Bull.

Give us counsel.

When a man draws his arrow

on an enemy,

he must shoot.

When I dip my fingers in the war paint,

it will mean...

war!

But this I counsel you,

gather all the Nations together, before you draw the first arrow.

It will seem easy

to drive back

the men

who want the yellow stones.

But if we fight them,

we must fight the long knives, the soldiers.

So this I counsel you.

Send runners to all the Nations of the Sioux.

To the Cheyenne, to the Crow,

who have been our enemies.

Send runners to all our cousins.

Send them now, Crazy Horse.

Gather all our armies.

We will make sure

our bow is strung,

before we fit the arrow.

See that these bags get to my quarters.

Yes, sir.

Cathy!

Well I didn't expect to see you here.

Are you disappointed?

And a captain, too. Did you notice?

Yes. We heard about it.

What's all this ?

A county fair.

Miners, prospectors.

My old friend Yellow Hair.

That's quite an army he's captured.

Left , Side, Ho!

Cathy.

Can we go away somewhere where we can talk.

Bob!

SOLDIER: Secure the prisoners.

- There's someone I'd like you to meet ! - Cathy.

SOLDIER: Troops Dismount!

Hi, honey.

Wasn't even worth the ride, just a few miserable prisoners.

SOLDIER: Dismiss.

Major.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Captain Parrish,

I'd like to present my fiance.

Charles Wentworth.

Are you Charles Wentworth, the war correspondent?

That's right.

I've heard a great deal about you, sir.

I guess everyone has.

So you're starting at the top again.

Could you let me in on that?

This's a private joke.

Are you looking for a war out here, Mr. Wentworth ?

My paper thinks the West is a tinderbox.

Maybe I can cheat you out of war.

See how good you are at another contest. At the same time.

I want to see those prisoners.

Yes, sir.

He's gonna be a bad loser.

I didn't want him to find out this way.

Open up. I want to talk to them.

Yes, sir.

Do you speak English?

No, sir.

I never learned that lingo.

What do you think you're speaking now?

Long Knife.

What's your name ?

Black Slave Who Escaped From White Heathen.

That's in Sioux.

What is it in Long Knife?

Sam.

Do you know Sitting Bull, Sam?

I've been a friend of the great chief Sitting Bull for many years, sir.

Could you take me to him?

Where I goes, they goes?

That's right.

I'll take all of you out of here.

You got a bargain.

We didn't expect to see the sun again, sir.

I'll be right back.

Hey!

The military tribunal reduced Parrish to captain.

But that may not be enough this time.

One step out of line and, so help me,

I'll break that man down to wheelbarrow fatigues.

You'll get my permission first.

Of course, Colonel.

Of course.

Captain Parrish reporting, sir.

Important report to make to you.

Alone.

Just one minute, captain.

From the CIC themselves, sir.

If you please, colonel.

Plesure, sir.

This better not be more of your insubordination, Parrish.

Don't push my friendship for you too far.

I'd like to request the release

of the 5 prisoners that were just brought in, sir.

The release!

This'll explain it.

You carry powerful credentials

"Chock gee" is a Chinese word for it.

Big passports to anywhere.

Liable to carry you straight to a scalping knife.

Why do you want those prisoners?

To get me through the scalping knife.

To Sitting Bull's camp.

You picked yourself a nice soft assignment.

I'll be leaving right after dark, sir.

Least I can say to you is

good luck!

Thank you very much, sir.

Some more?

Come in!

I just wanted to say goodbye.

Come on in, Parrish.

I was just leaving.

Wait, Charlie.

Think you two owe each other a talk.

I don't think he's too smart, leaving us alone.

There's no reason why he shouldn't.

We are going to be married when we go to Boston.

What's that old say about it?

"MARRY IN HASTE, REPENT AT LEISURE"?

There's no haste about this.

I've known Charlie Wentworth since school days.

You were the only hasty one.

I've regretted that plenty.

You'd better keep this.

It didn't work.

It has no meaning for me.

It might remind you.

Remind me?

Remind me of dust, sweat, horselice, barracks?

Yes, all of that.

And it might remind you of a man who once loved you.

Charlie's in love with me.

And he can give you the parties

and the theaters and the clothes is that it?

Yes, yes, that's part of it.

Can he give you this?

Gonna keep their hands tied, captain?

Either that or get my throat cut.

Maybe so, captain. Maybe so.

We, ah...

We rode up here yesterday.

Something special about the scenery, Cathy ?

The sunset...

It's aways so beautiful from here.

Not wondering about

someone out there,in the big empty spaces, are you?

Did you hear from your newspaper?

Yes, three or four days ago.

I'm relieved of this assignment

at my own discretion.

Three or four days ago?

Why didn't you tell me?

Oh, I was sort or awaiting developments.

Just what are you waiting for, Charlie?

Why cann't we go back East at once?

Well, there might be some news breaking here yet .

News?

Is news more important than our marriage?

You know it isn't.

But Parrish might be back any day.

Oh?

I still think there's news in him.

Forget Bob Parrish.

I could forget him very easily, Cathy.

Soon we will have enough.

You know what the joke is, captain ?

I can see a few funny spots in it.

Feed injun braves like papoose.

Tell them I'm sorry.

I have to keep their hands tied.

I want to be sure they're between me and other cousin.

[ SPEAKING SIOUX ]

You want another joke, captain.

They don't miss anything.

I tied injuns hand with rawhide.

Dry rawhide.

That'll hold them.

Every night the dew wets the rawhide.

They can slip their hand out.

Every night.

And every morning I put them on.

How far do you suppose it is to Sitting Bull's camp ?

[ SPEAKING SIOUX ] We's there now, captain.

We's there now, captain.

Kill him!

Kill him !

A black brother says you bring a message from your Great White Chief.

Speak,

I came to hold council with you, Sitting Bull.

White man speaks with many tongues,

all of them twisted.

I came from the Great White Chief of all Long Knives.

I say kill him !

Call this mad dog off.

He wants blood, let him fight me the Indian way.

It is his right.

Let it be then the Indian way.

I came to hold council.

I will listen to the words of your chief.

I have wanted peace.

I have prayed for peace.

There have been battles.

But when the white soldiers win a battle, they call it victory..

When the Indians win,

they call it massacre.

Great chief,

will you listen to the words of my chief ?

Speak.

Move your braves across the little river.

My chief too has many soldiers.

They will come and they' will stop on their side.

But neither army must strike a blow.

While you come to the Great White Chief for the big Council?

I will say "yes" to this meeting.

What is your plan, Sitting Bull?

My braves will hold their arrows.

But your chief must come here.

He will meet me between the two armies,

in the open country.

You mean bring the President here?

If this meeting fails,

then both armies will come together.

The Chiefs in the middle

will die first.

This is the Indian way.

My chief is many days travel.

I will give him time.

Many braves are here now.

More are coming.

I will hold them until the full moon.

I can't promise the President will come here, Sitting Bull.

When the moon fills up,

he must be here!

Don't bother to unsaddle him, Sam.

We're moving on.

You aiming to ride all night again, Captain ?

That's right.

I'm plain beat, Captain,

all out tired..

And besides, the horse is ready to quit.

You're wrong, Sam.

A horse'll run till he drops dead.

He'll never quit.

Let's go.

Come on boy. Come on.

Look like every bull-footed Yankee west of the Mississippi

has moved out here.

Sergeant!

Yes, sir.

See that these horses are walked and fed.

Sam, you get something to eat.

I'll see you in a minute.

It doesn't make sense.

It's what Sitting Bull wants.

I couldn't change his mind.

You can't ask the President of the United States.

To come out here and sit under a tree with an Indian.

Grant's a soldier.

He'll understand.

Can you send a message to him right away, sir?

Tonight?

Of course. It's almost hopeless.

Maybe, but it could save us a war.

All right. I'll have it sent.

You get some rest.

Thank you, sir.

Hey, captain !

Hi, glad to see you back.

Your fiancee doesn't look any too pleased.

Any news? Will war be declared?

Declared?

It's already on.

Charlie's talking to you as a newspaper correspondent.

Now you look as if it's been kinda of tough going.

Three days and nights in a saddle might be tough on a reporter.

Here in the army it's just routine.

Charlie's no stranger to a uniform.

He was a major in the last war.

A major?

What do you know about that!

I'm outranked again.

You know,

under other circumstances I could like him.

Any news, Captain.

No.

Nothing.

It ain't all bad, Captain.

We still got a quarter moon to go.

The Warriors are ready, Sitting Bull.

[ OGLALA ! ]

[ MINNECON ! ]

[ ARAPAHO ! ]

[ BLACKFOOT! ]

[ LAKOTA! ]

[ CHEYENNE ! ]

[ HUNKPAPA ! ]

[ NORTHERN CHEYENNE ! ]

You get to make sure the boar is strong, wise chief?

I haven't given the word.

The moon is not full.

The white man is not watching that moon.

He is ready to move.

The gold miners more and more come closer.

Give me the word to move against these miners.

Onc spark will start the prairie burning.

Spark!

I will throw a thousand torches.

When the time is right,

I will light your torches.

I'm sure getting blind eye watching that moon, Captain.

Well I was a fool to ever think that Grant would leave Washington.

To come out here.

Looks like we missed, Sam.

That dance they're having might be fun, Captain.

Yeah, it might be.

Sam...

No sense riding a dead horse any longer.

You've been a good friend.

If you want to put a feather in your hair,

and go back and join your Indian friends.

It's all right.

I'll understand.

You can leave tonight.

I guess I got some of that horse blood you was talking about, captain.

You mean you're not giving up ?

Good!

Good.

Forgive me, Captain.

But what about you ?

Are you gonna give up on her?

...

Cathy,

Just what do you want me to do?

I want you to take me away from here.

Are you sure that's what you want?

I know what you're thinking, Charlie.

I want to marry you.

But if you don't take me away from here,

I'll go alone.

We'll leave together, be ready at sunup.

I'll be ready.

You are a strange man, Captain.

You fight Crazy Horse.

You go in the thick of Indian land..

You got no fear in you.

But you're scared to walk up to one squaw.

Grab her by the hair and say:

"Come to my tent."

Hi, Parrish.

Glad I ran into you.

It was quite a detour you made.

Well, I just wanted to say goodbye.

I'm leaving for the railhead at daylight,

with Cathy.

What am I supposed to do? Wish you good luck?

Well, that's the usual thing.

Good luck.

Well?

You're doing a stupid thing.

And you know it.

Is that what you came here for?

You don't love Charlie Wenteorth.

Let me go.

You know you don't.

Do I have to call my father,

or will you leave ?

I'm gonna stop you from leaving, one way or another.

You can't.

Belive me, you can't.

Sir.

You wanted in the orderly room, urgent.

Yes, sir.

It's from him, all right.

Here it is, sir.

Top secret codes.

Change them every week.

Get rid of them.

You men wait outside.

Sergeant,

no one enters into this room.

No one, you understand?

Very well, sir.

Well, sir ?

Looks like you win.

"APRROVE PARRISH PLAN"

"SET MEETING WITH SITTING BULL"

"INSTRUCT FIELD COMMAND"

"FULL SECRECY"

"SIGNED U.S.GRANT. PRESIDENT."

We'd better get busy.

Look, sir,

see if you approve of this plan.

Sergeant.

Inside.

The deals on, Sam.

You hear for Sitting Bull.

Send word ahead every change you get.

And you, sir.

I'm going forward with Custer. You'll find us.

As easy as finding a herd of buffaloes.

Come in.

Hi, Bob.

Didn't expect you.

So you're really leaving.

Yep!

Let's say the second best man has won.

I thought your newspapermen lived by a code.

Code of honor?

You got that wrong.

But if you think I've taken dishonorable

advantage of you over Cathy.

We can settle that one too.

Let's skip that.

Something else I had in mind.

What about a newspaper man

never running out on a story?

What's story?

The biggest story you've ever had a chance to cover.

Are you serious?

President Grant is coming out here.

Grant!

To sit under a tree and have the council for peace with Sitting Bull.

So that's it.

You're forgetting, Parrish.

I could telegraph that story in

without interrupting a single plan for the wedding.

Yes, you could.

But that information is a top military secret!

Telegraph it, and you'll see me put against

a wall in front of a firing squad.

Do what you think's better.

Oh, Great Spirit.

Now I come to ask for strength.

The war plan is ready.

Give us strength and courage

If the battle must come...

It will be the last fight.

Your orders, Colonel .

Sealed, sir ?

Sealed.

You may move out when ready.

Very good, sir.

Forward! Scouts out !

Forward!

Troop, forward!

Forward!

Ho! Forward!

Troop! Left !

Column, right!

Ho!

Troop! Left !

Column, right up !

Ho!

Get food and presents for council.

There will be no war.

No war!

Well, Sam ?

Sitting Bull got the word, Captain.

The hatchet's buried.

Fine.

But there's another kind of trouble out there, sir.

I passed through them miner's camps,

dozens of them.

All of them got guns,

and they're all on the prowl.

Looking for Injuns.

What's that for, captain.

That's custercalling for his officers.

SOLDIER: Prepare to! Dismount!

SOLDIER: Dismount!

Mr. Reno,

You will proceed to the Little Bighorn

You'll hold at Medicine Creek.

You should get a good view of the Sioux camp from that position.

Very good, sir.

But your orders were to hold here, sir.

That'll be enough, Captain.

Captain Benteen,

you'll proceed as rearguard to major Reno.

All right gentlemen, move out.

Very good, sir.

I'd advise you not to move so close, sir.

Captain Parrish.

Did you read general Howell's orders ?

Yes, sir.

Then you know those orders transferred you back under my command.

You also know more about these miners than anyone else.

Therefore I'm giving you an order to clear them out of this immediate area.

You'll be responsible for their safety. - But my place is here!

Captain, are you refusing an order?

No, sir.

Hey, Bob.

Get the troops mounted.

Yes, sir.

A courier just came up with the mail.

There was a letter from Cathy.

She asked me to give you

this.

Would you like to read it?

No.

The best man was winning all the time, Bob.

I knew it.

You thought I was a fool to leave her back there at fort.

But it wasn't me riding away from Cathy.

It was you.

Good luck.

You know, gentlemen, I was just thinking.

If the Indians should attack,

this is not a position I would choose to hold.

As a civilian, Colonel Custer,

might I have a word in this.

Naturally.

Captain Parrish was certain, sir.

That the Indians had no plan to attack.

Maybe not.

I intend to swing off here.

Major Reno will hold at the Little Bighorn.

Captain Benteen will join him as planned.

That forest will be the anvil.

We'll cut through the hills,

hit the river well above major Reno and his men.

We'll be the hammer.

The Indians will then be between us.

If anything should go wrong.

If they should attack.

The hammer will strike the anvil

and Heaven help anything that's in between.

But Parrish says there are thousands of Indian, sir.

Many more than your scouts have reported.

Mr. Wentworth,

captain Parrish is notorious

for his overestimate of all facts.

Gentlemen, mount your troops.

The scouts will ride the ridges.

We are moving forward.

Prepare to mount!

Attention!

Mount!

Strike your tents.

Pull in behind us.

You mean, give up this claim?

There's an Indian gathering underway,

any minute you're a liable to have visitors.

We ain't gonna budge.

Strike your tent!

Hurry up!

Long Knives, foot soldiers come very close.

Many horse soldiers.

It's the plan.

Great White chief is coming.

But first he sends many braves and wise leaders. We're at peace.

Here, look.

If it ain't my old friend the general.

What's in those barrels?

Injun bait, captain, Injun bait.

Bring them up.

Wint a minute, fella!

If anybody interferes, I'll break a few heads.

The long Knives are moving too close this way.

A word has been given.

We wait for their chief.

The Yellow Hair's scouts.

Cut them off!

They'll warn Sitting Bull.

Don't let them get away.

Shoot them down.

Go.

Make your war.

[DAKOTA ! ]

Take half of the men, stay on those wagons.

The rest of you follow me.

Head forward.

Turn back.

Turn back !

[ Speaks Sioux ] - At a gallop. Follow me!

[ Speaks Sioux ]

Form circle!

Dismount!

There was a bigger army of Long Knives.

Where are they ?

Downriver.

Trapped like thieves.

Fighting.

Why don't they charge and finish us?

It's not their way

Colonel, Colonel, do we make a break for it?

No, we stand!

Lieutenant,

break through that circle

Yes, sir.

Follow me.

Leutenant Cahill,

get the women and children out.

Captain!

I'm all right !

Get it out!

Hurry up and get it out !

All right, let's go.

Where are we a headed for, Captain ?

Custer.

This is the end of Yellow Hair.

Kill! Scalp.

Halt

They die like men.

We will not scalp brave men.

Go.

Yellow Hair.

Lord rest his soul.

Look, Captain.

Injuns celebrate big win, sir.

They're celebrating the greatest disaster, they'll ever see.

General Terry army is only a day's ride from here.

General Terry, quick, dispatch.

Sir.

What is it?

Sir, we beg to report colonel Custer's troop

Completely wiped out.

It was a massacre, sir.

Our troop and major Reno's were completely cut to pieces.

Where was this? When?

Little Big Horn, sir.

Late yesterday.

Order a General Assembly.

Take care of these men.

General Assembly.

[ Speaks Sioux ]

My chiefs

The Long Knives will come again

with foot soldiers.

The fighting is not over with one victory.

May I speak, Sitting Bull?

We are strong here.

Let them come again

The white man's army will run like antelope before us.

I say, go out and find them!

May I say have one word in this council?

What is your wish, Sitting Bull?

Hear what the split tongue has to say.

Then let the young braves kill him.

I have not spoken with a split tongue, Sitting Bull .

The Great White Chief

doesn't know of this fight.

Yellow Hair advanced without orders.

How am I to believe this? - It is my word.

I knew their plans. I saw their orders.

Did I come here as a prisoner or did I come here of my own free will?

Speak.

This victory today was nothing.

When the Sun rises tomorrow you'll see an army ten times that size.

20 times!

There's a great general moving this way.

To the south

lies the hot dead country.

To the setting sun,

this big mountains.

To the rising sun,

the Long Knives towns.

Where would you have my people go?

There's only one way to escape the army that's moving here.

I will show you.

No.

You will lead us.

If this is a trick,

your death,

will not be swift.

Well, there it is.

Through the long night you have spoken many words of wisdom.

You have kept your word.

Then I'll say goodbye.

You'd better stay with the people you know best,Sam.

Is that an order, Captain?

That's an order.

You will go back to your own people now?

Yes.

No harm will come to you for what you have done?

The Great White Chief will understand what I have done.

Go then.

I will never forget you, my son.

I hope the men will remember Custer

Troop, Left Forward! Troop, Left Ho!

Who are you?

Captain Parrish, sir.

What are you doing here? Where are the Indians?

They're gone.

They were through your lines in the night, sir.

That's impossible.

I let them. I knew our army's plans.

Captain, you're wounded.

let's hope for your sake it has affected your mind.

Take charge of him. Place him under arrest.

Mr. President.

Is it treason to try stop a massacre on both sides?

My dear young lady.

The court martial made the decision.

I can do nothing but sign the death warrant.

When will it happen?

It's customary to allow a condemned man

48 hours to straighten out his affairs.

I'm sorry.

It's no use, Sam.

You mean they're really shooting him, Miss?

Sam, he wants you to go back to your own people.

Before you get into trouble.

You know what Injuns say now, Miss?

They say

"WHITE MAN SHOOT THE ONLY FRIEND INDIANS GOT"

Why they shoot captain Parrish, Miss ?

Injuns say

"'CAUSE WHITE MEN HATE INJUNS. ALSO HATE INJUNS FRIEND".

Injuns never make meeting with white man again.

Sam....

Sam, there is one man that could make that very plain.

I mean Sitting Bull.

But we only got 48 hours, Miss.

We can try, Sam.

OH, Sam!

Present arms.

Present arms!

Shoulder arms!

Left face.

Right shoulder arms!

Sir?

Forward march!

Detail, halt!

Right face.

CATAIN ROBERT PARRISH,

WHEREAS

YOU HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF THE CHARGE OF TREASON

AND SENTENCED TO BE DIVESTED OF RANK

AND EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD

WITH ALL RANK PRESENT...

Lieutenant, carry on.

No.

Smoke?

Get it over with.

Stand back.

Well?

Sitting Bull, sir. Your daughter is with him

Open the gates.

But, sir...

Carry out my orders.

What is it?

It's Sitting Bull, sir.

Sitting Bull?

It's all right.

My daughter brought him here.

Chief Sitting Bull, this is my father.

General Howell.

Sir, may I present the President of the United States ?

Great White Chief,

You promised a council.

Speak Sitting Bull.

For many years

I have tried to keep pace between us.

A moon has not passed since many men,

yours and mine, have shed their blood.

For me there is

no joy in such a memory.

Nor for me, Sitting Bull.

That is good to hear.

But then why are you now

going to kill this man for treason?

This man has always risked his life

to bring peace between us.

He risked his life when he led my people north.

So that there would be no more killings

on both sides.

For all time the Indian

will respect this man.

When he left my side

I called him my son.

I feared for his return.

I remember his last words to me

"The Great White Chief will understand what I have done",

he said.

Kill him, White Chief,

and your nation will destroy a patriotic son.

Only to find their mistake too late.

But let him live,

and through him

the Indian,

and the white man,

can sit again in peace council.

To peace.

To friendship.