Original subtitles

♪ Your doggies have traveled all day

♪ Your doggies have traveled all day

♪ Our doggies keep strayin' away

♪ Our doggies keep strayin' away

♪ Settle down

♪ Little doggies

♪ We'll be home before tonight

♪ We'll be home before tonight

♪ Settle down

♪ Little doggies

♪ You'll be travelin' soon in time

♪ You'll be travelin' soon in time

♪ Look away

♪ Little doggie

♪ Little doggie

♪ Steal away through the pines

♪ Steal away through the pines

♪ Look away

♪ Little doggie

♪ Little doggie

♪ So for now you better settle down ♪

Rough going, man, but we have three hours yet till we stop.

Dunson here says he's leaving the train.

Dunson here says he's leaving the train.

Is that right, Dunson? Are you leaving?

I am.

You can't do that. You signed on. You agreed...

You can't do that. You signed on. You agreed...

I signed nothing. If I had, I'd stay.

You'll remember I joined your train after you left St. Louis.

You'll remember I joined your train after you left St. Louis.

Wait a minute, Dunson. You know this is Indian country.

You might be walking right into trouble.

For two days past from this day we've seen smoke and signs.

For two days past from this day we've seen smoke and signs.

Yeah, we know that.

They're around somewhere. I can feel them.

As far as you're concerned the Comanches are welcome to you,

As far as you're concerned the Comanches are welcome to you,

but not to your bull and your cows.

We need the beginnings of herds in California.

You're right about one thing. Beginning of herds.

You're right about one thing. Beginning of herds.

But I'm starting my own herd.

I watched the land south of here since we left the salt port.

I watched the land south of here since we left the salt port.

It's good land. Good grass for beef.

So I'm going south where it is.

Now look, Dunson, you're too good a gun for me

Now look, Dunson, you're too good a gun for me

to let you leave the train now.

Then I'm too good a gun for you to argue with.

If I was you, Colonel, I'd ponder on lettin' him be.

If I was you, Colonel, I'd ponder on lettin' him be.

He's a mighty set man. When his mind's made up even you can't change it.

Now he'll be heading south.

Now he'll be heading south.

Mind he don't stomp on you on the way out.

Are you leaving, too?

Colonel, me and Dunson...

Colonel, me and Dunson...

Well, it's me and Dunson.

Tell him I wish him luck.

Good luck to you, Colonel.

Good luck to you, Colonel.

I decided last night.

I decided, too. I want to go with you.

I decided, too. I want to go with you.

No. I'll send for you. I know you've work to do, Tom,

but I want to be part of it. I love you.

I want to be with you. Not now.

I want to be with you. Not now.

I'm asking you, Tom. Please take me with you.

I'm strong. I can stand anything you can.

I'm strong. I can stand anything you can.

It's too much for a woman.

Too much for a woman?

Put your arms around me, Tom.

Put your arms around me, Tom.

Hold me. Feel me in your arms.

Do I feel weak, Tom?

Do I feel weak, Tom?

I don't, do I?

Oh, you'll need me.

You'll need a woman.

You need what a woman can give you

You need what a woman can give you

to do what you have to do.

Listen to me, Tom.

Listen with your head and your heart, too.

Listen with your head and your heart, too.

The sun only shines half the time, Tom.

The other half is night.

The other half is night.

I've made up my mind.

Change your mind, Tom.

Just once in your life, change your mind.

I'll send for you.

I'll send for you.

Will you come?

Will you come?

Course I'll come, but you're wrong.

My mother's.

(SOBBING) Go, please.

If you're going to go, please go now.

I want to be with you so much,

I want to be with you so much,

my knees feel like--like they've knives in them.

Bye.

Bye.

(EXCLAIMING)

(WHISTLES)

Team, giddyup!

GROOT: Whoa!

GROOT: Whoa!

What river do you reckon that is?

The Red River, I think.

If it is, that's Texas on the other side.

If it is, that's Texas on the other side.

How about calling it a day, huh?

All right. Wheel your wagon...

All right. Wheel your wagon...

(DRUMS BEATING)

GROOT: It's too big for signal smoke, ain't it?

GROOT: It's too big for signal smoke, ain't it?

TOM: Yeah.

It's just about where the wagon train would be.

It's just about where the wagon train would be.

Why do Indians always wanna be burning up good wagons?

Take us hours to get back there.

Yeah.

Should've took her along.

Should've took her along.

They'll most likely be sending someone after us.

If they do...

If they do...

This is as good a place as any.

Swing the wagon around.

Swing the wagon around.

We'll keep the river to our back.

(WHISTLING)

Hey! Giddyup!

(WHISPERS) Tom.

(WHISPERS) Tom.

We could've been wrong about that smoke,

or she might've gotten away.

(OWL HOOTING) Boy, do I wish it.

(OWL HOOTING) Boy, do I wish it.

Here they are.

Here they are.

I hope there ain't too many of them.

(WHISTLING)

(BIRD CALLING)

(ARROW FIRES)

(HORSES NEIGHING)

Give me your rifle.

(RIFLE FIRING)

(WHOOPING)

Tom!

(GUN FIRES)

You all right, Tom?

I got two more of them.

I got two more of them.

Near as I can figure, there's only one of them left.

They got the two cows, but...

Oh, Tom.

That's too bad.

That's too bad.

(OWL HOOTING) We should've took...

That's him.

Answer him. Huh?

Answer him.

Answer him.

(WHISTLING)

(HOOTING CONTINUES)

(HOOTING CONTINUES)

(WHISTLING)

TOM: Let's get out of here.

Yeah, and give them buzzards a chance.

(MOOING)

Shooting and screaming. People dying.

Shooting and screaming. People dying.

Burning wagons. Shooting, screaming. Burning.

People dying and wagons burning.

People dying and wagons burning.

Where'd you come from?

It was all burning. Only Indians around.

It was all burning. Only Indians around.

Just all burning and smoking and smelling. How'd you get away?

They were burning everything.

They were burning everything.

He's plumb out of his head.

Just plain I could see it.

They was burning the wagons.

People were screaming.

People were screaming.

I wouldn't do that again.

TOM: Put that gun down. I said, don't do that again.

All right, sonny.

I was just asking where you came...

Don't ever trust anybody till you know them.

I won't. After this.

Thanks for telling me.

All right.

All right.

Now, how'd you get away?

I was following my cow.

She got away in the brush.

She got away in the brush.

Miles, it seemed like, up a long hill she went.

And then I heard them.

And then I saw them.

And then I saw them.

And I wish I hadn't.

And I wish I hadn't.

Yeah.

Well, it looks like we'll have to take you along.

Well, it looks like we'll have to take you along.

Well, are you gonna use it?

No.

No.

No.

But don't ever try to take it away from me again.

He'll do.

Tie them up short.

Get up on the seat.

Let's go.

Hey! Hyah!

(WHISTLING)

(EXCLAIMING)

We're in Texas.

It feels good to me.

It feels good to me.

This is it.

This is where we start growing good beef.

Sure looks good, Tom.

Worth coming 2,000 miles for.

Everything a man could want.

Good water and grass, plenty of it.

Good water and grass, plenty of it.

Who this belong to?

To me.

Someday that'll all be covered with good beef.

Someday that'll all be covered with good beef.

I'll put a mark, a brand on them

to show they're mine, too.

to show they're mine, too.

What kind of a mark?

I've been thinking about that.

It'll be two lines.

Like this.

Like this.

TOM: Like the banks of a river.

It'll be the Red River brand.

It'll be the Red River brand.

We'll start now. Get a fire going, Matt.

Heat the iron.

There's the first one.

First Red River D.

You're gonna put that on my cow, too?

Why not? She's mine.

I see a "D" for Dunson.

My name's Matthew.

We'll talk about that later.

I don't see any "M" on that brand.

I don't see any "M" on that brand.

I'll put an "M" on it when you earn it.

That's fair enough. I'll earn it.

That's fair enough. I'll earn it.

GROOT: Never like seeing strangers.

GROOT: Never like seeing strangers.

I guess that's 'cause no stranger ever good-news'd me.

Buenos dias, senores. Hello.

Saw the smoke from your fire. Yes?

Saw the smoke from your fire. Yes?

Where do you travel?

Nowhere.

You remain here on Don Diego's land, you are welcome

for a night, a week...

for a night, a week...

Are you Diego?

No, senor.

Where is he?

At his home across the river,

At his home across the river,

600 kilometers south.

How far is that?

TOM: About 400 miles.

TOM: About 400 miles.

That's too much land for one man. Why, it ain't decent.

Here's all this land achin' to be used and never has been.

I tell you, it ain't decent.

I tell you, it ain't decent.

Well, senor, it is for Don Diego to do as he chooses.

This land is Don Diego's.

TOM: What is that river you were talking about?

TOM: What is that river you were talking about?

Rio Grande. But I told you that...

Go to Don Diego and tell him

that all the land north of that river's mine.

that all the land north of that river's mine.

Tell him to stay off of it.

But the land is his. Where did he get it?

Oh, many years ago by grant and patent,

Oh, many years ago by grant and patent,

inscribed by the king of all the Spain.

You mean he took it away from whoever was here before.

Indians, maybe.

Indians, maybe.

Maybe so.

Well, I'm taking it away from him.

Others have thought as you, senor.

Others have thought as you, senor.

Others have tried.

And you've always been good enough to stop them?

Amigo, it is my work.

Amigo, it is my work.

Pretty unhealthy job.

Get away, Matt.

I'm sorry for you, senor.

How about you?

You want some of it?

It is not my land, senor.

It is not my land, senor.

I will wait until Don Diego tells me what to do.

All right, go tell him what happened.

Tell him what I said.

Tell him what I said.

Take your friend's horse.

We'll bury him.

Move. Here.

Move. Here.

Matt, I told you to get away. You might've got hurt.

He went for his gun first. But you gotta...

He went for his gun first. But you gotta...

Next time, do what I say.

How'd you know when he was gonna draw?

By watching his eyes.

Remember that. I will.

Remember that. I will.

Get a shovel and my Bible.

I'll read over him.

"We brought nothing into this world

"We brought nothing into this world

"and it's certain we can carry nothing out.

"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.

"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.

"Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen."

Turn them loose.

(MOOING)

(MOOING)

They're gonna get away.

Wherever they go, they'll be on my land.

My land.

We're here, and we're gonna stay here.

We're here, and we're gonna stay here.

Give me 10 years, and I'll have that brand

on the gates of the greatest ranch in Texas.

on the gates of the greatest ranch in Texas.

TOM: The big house will be down by the river

and the corrals and the barns behind it.

and the corrals and the barns behind it.

It will be a good place to live in.

Ten years, and I'll have the Red River D

Ten years, and I'll have the Red River D

on more cattle than you've looked at anywhere.

I'll have that brand on enough beef

I'll have that brand on enough beef

to feed the whole country.

Good beef for hungry people.

Good beef for hungry people.

Beef to make 'em strong,

make 'em grow.

But it takes work and it takes sweat,

But it takes work and it takes sweat,

and it takes time, lots of time.

Takes years.

(MOOING)

Well, we've had our 10 years and more.

Well, we've had our 10 years and more.

GROOT: Been about 14.

Nearer to 15.

We've got the cattle.

Thousands of heads of good beef.

Thousands of heads of good beef.

And there as they stand,

there isn't a head worth a plug three-cent piece.

there isn't a head worth a plug three-cent piece.

Three-cent piece? Why, that's more silver money

than I've seen since the war.

That's right.

It all happened while you were away, Matt.

It all happened while you were away, Matt.

More cattle than a man could gather elsewhere

in two lifetimes,

in two lifetimes,

and I'm broke.

Unless we can move them, I'm broke.

I figured. That's why I rounded them up.

I figured. That's why I rounded them up.

I'm not gonna take it hunched back like the rest around here.

There's no market for cattle in Texas.

There's no market for cattle in Texas.

GROOT: There ain't.

Then I'll take them where there's a market.

That means driving them 1,000 miles.

Missouri?

Missouri?

Yeah. That's what I figured.

Seems you two have been doing a lot of figuring.

While you were at it, did you figure out the best way to get them there?

While you were at it, did you figure out the best way to get them there?

Which trail to take? Yeah.

San Saba, then Meridian, then along the Brazos.

San Saba, then Meridian, then along the Brazos.

That's the long way around.

Along the Brazos, then...

I said that's the long way.

I said that's the long way.

I know it's the long way, but there's good water up.

Clear all the way up to the Red.

Yeah, but going that way, why, we'd get two extra crossings.

Yeah, but going that way, why, we'd get two extra crossings.

You're not going. How do you know... I'm not?

No, you're not. How do you know the water's good?

No, you're not. How do you know the water's good?

I led a patrol that way.

Do you think it's worth...

(MUMBLING) You think it's worth...

What are you mumbling about?

What are you mumbling about?

Where are those store teeth Matt brought you?

In my pocket. Why don't you use them?

'Cause they whistle. I use them for eating.

'Cause they whistle. I use them for eating.

Can't understand you.

Everybody else can. What did you say?

I said there's a lot of things you don't know about, Mr. Dunson.

I said there's a lot of things you don't know about, Mr. Dunson.

What? First off, about me going on this here drive.

Go ahead.

It's 1,000 miles to Missouri, ain't it? That's right.

It's 1,000 miles to Missouri, ain't it? That's right.

You figure me and my bad leg

couldn't ride a horse? That's it.

Well, it might be I could ride a chuck wagon.

Well, it might be I could ride a chuck wagon.

We've already got a cook.

That is right, Mr. Dunson.

That is right, Mr. Dunson.

But might be old cookie

might not like grubbing the trip all that way.

You heard me good that time, didn't you?

You heard me good that time, didn't you?

I might be able to persuade him.

It might be just the time of year when old Cookie'd like

a change of scenery and could be persuaded.

He might've been already persuaded

He might've been already persuaded

'cause he up and quit this morning!

Then it might be we could persuade you

Then it might be we could persuade you

to drive the chuck wagon.

Might be, Mr. Dunson, might be.

Might be, Mr. Dunson, might be.

That's a pretty nice gun you're scratching those matches on.

That's a pretty nice gun you're scratching those matches on.

How is your gun arm?

I've been using it a lot in the last few years.

Get me my horse, will you, Matt? Yeah.

Get me my horse, will you, Matt? Yeah.

You know what? The funny thing about guns... Draw!

(LAUGHS)

(LAUGHS)

I haven't heard that in a lot of years.

He beat you. You knew it was coming, and he beat you.

He sure did beat me.

He sure did beat me.

You see, he's just a little faster. Just a mite faster.

Matt, draw up a map of that country we were talking about.

Matt, draw up a map of that country we were talking about.

I did. It's on your desk.

(LAUGHING)

You're a mite faster about a lot of things.

You're a mite faster about a lot of things.

See you later.

You know, Matt, that's the first time in one year

I've seen a grin on his face,

except for the other day when you come home.

except for the other day when you come home.

Didn't you see anything else? Huh?

That look on his face when he was talking about the cattle.

That look on his face when he was talking about the cattle.

He's afraid. Afraid?

He's afraid. Afraid?

Why, you're crazy. You're loony.

Am I?

Sure, sure. I'm scared, too,

Sure, sure. I'm scared, too,

but I've been here watching and seeing.

Seeing what?

Seeing what?

Seeing a man fighting.

Fighting with his soul and got to hang on to this place.

Fourteen years of it.

Fourteen years of it.

It cost him dear, too. Cost him a woman.

The only woman he ever wanted.

Yeah. You knew about that.

Yeah. You knew about that.

Course, and the killer of them seven graves.

Men who tried to take the place away from him,

but that weren't hard, not that.

but that weren't hard, not that.

No, he knows that kind of fighting.

What else?

And then come the war while you was away.

And then come the war while you was away.

He learnt a lot of things for himself.

He learned that a ranch ain't only beef, but it's money.

But the war took all the money out of the south.

But the war took all the money out of the south.

He didn't know about money, Matt. He never had none.

He didn't know what to do.

He didn't know what to do.

You mean, he just doesn't know who to fight.

Yep. That's all right.

He's been waiting for you to head the herd north,

drive a full drive that's never been done before,

nine, ten thousand head of cattle clear to Missouri.

nine, ten thousand head of cattle clear to Missouri.

We could make it. We?

Well, Matt, I'm glad you come home, 'cause...

Well...

I'm glad you come home.

Let him go.

Ha!

Hey, Matt, it's a Diego.

Let him go.

And another Meeker.

And another Meeker.

Turn him loose.

Hold it.

Put a brand on him.

Put a brand on him.

He's a Meeker steer. I said brand him.

He's wearing a Meeker iron.

I can't see it.

Brand him.

All right, but the next one up's another Diego.

All right, but the next one up's another Diego.

Brand him.

Brand him.

Put the iron on all of them, Teeler.

Put the iron on all of them, Teeler.

Anything you see, slap it with a Red River D.

And burn it deep. Why not?

You're going to wind up

branding every rump in the state of Texas except mine.

branding every rump in the state of Texas except mine.

Hand me that iron, Teeler.

You don't think I'd do it, do you?

(CHUCKLES) No, I don't.

Matt, I'm going to Missouri

with every steer, cow and bull that I can lay my hands on.

I think Meeker might be real pleased

I think Meeker might be real pleased

to see our brand on his stock.

That I'll argue with Meeker.

Then now might be a good time.

Then now might be a good time.

He's even got some people to back him up.

I want to see this.

Howdy, Dunson. Matt.

Howdy, Dunson. Matt.

I hear you're making a drive, Dunson.

News travels fast.

Yeah. We're going to Missouri.

That's what I heard.

That's what I heard.

I also heard something else yesterday.

Cumberland, a neighbor of mine, drove 3,000 head to the Red River.

When he got across, the Missouri border gangs jumped him,

When he got across, the Missouri border gangs jumped him,

stole the herd, killed all his men.

Hard luck. You know about it, then?

Hard luck. You know about it, then?

Yeah, I know about Cumberland and Shriver, and a lot of others.

But nobody's going to take my cattle.

I don't want anybody to take mine, either.

I don't want anybody to take mine, either.

I hear that some of my brand has wandered over this way.

Mind if we look your herd over?

I do mind.

I do mind.

You'd stop us?

Yeah, we would. Can't you hold that horse still?

Well?

Well?

Shall we take that look around, Mr. Meeker?

Say, you must be kinda new around here.

I told you... I heard you.

I told you... I heard you.

Well, Mr. Meeker?

(LAUGHS) Maybe I should introduce you two...

Who are you?

Who are you?

Some call me one thing, some another.

What do they call you most?

By my name, Cherry Valance.

By my name, Cherry Valance.

Of Val Verde? Val Verde way.

Yeah, we've heard of you.

Yeah, we've heard of you.

Thanks.

They say you're good with a gun. How good?

I manage to stay alive.

You've been doing pretty good.

You've been doing pretty good.

Still want to stop us?

Yeah.

Well, Mr. Meeker, what do you say?

At one time, I would have said yes.

But now...

But now...

Look, Tom, everything I've got...

Yeah, I know. Me, too.

All right, we rounded up some of your stock

All right, we rounded up some of your stock

and some of Diego's and some of everybody else's around here.

And?

I haven't got the time or the inclination to cut them out.

I haven't got the time or the inclination to cut them out.

I'll drive them to Missouri and give you two dollars a head when I get back.

And if you don't get back?

And if you don't get back?

That's your gamble.

I reckon it is.

Not a bad one, either.

All right. Suits me.

All right. Suits me.

Mr. Meeker, I changed my mind about working with you.

Can you use another hand?

Can you use another hand?

We're full up. I'd like to go with you to Missouri.

I told you... I heard you. I'd care to go along.

I told you... I heard you. I'd care to go along.

You might find it harder to stay alive along the Missouri border.

Yeah. I might at that.

Yeah. I might at that.

Wages are $10 a month,

triple if the steers bring $15 at the railroad.

triple if the steers bring $15 at the railroad.

We lose the herd, you lose your wages.

Fair enough. All right, good luck.

Goodbye, Mr. Meeker.

Goodbye, Mr. Meeker.

Take care of him, Matt.

Sure.

Sure.

I take it I'm hired.

You're hired.

You're hired.

Brand them all, Teeler. Everything that can walk.

Yes, sir!

TEELER: Brand them all, boys. Get going!

TEELER: Brand them all, boys. Get going!

You ought to stick around back there.

What for? See the shooting.

Why? Do you reckon they're going to fight?

Why? Do you reckon they're going to fight?

No, not yet. They'll just paw at each other,

find out what they're up against.

It'll be worth seeing.

It'll be worth seeing.

Could be.

Let's give them a hand over here. Sure.

That's a good-looking gun you were about to use back there.

Can I see it?

Can I see it?

Maybe you'd like to see mine.

Nice. Awful nice.

Nice. Awful nice.

You know, there are only two things more beautiful than a good gun.

You know, there are only two things more beautiful than a good gun.

A Swiss watch or a woman from anywhere.

You ever had a good Swiss watch?

You ever had a good Swiss watch?

Go ahead. Try it.

Hey, that's very good.

Hey, hey. That's good, too.

Go on. Keep it going.

Go on. Keep it going.

(GUN FIRING)

Now I know who you'd be.

Now I know who you'd be.

You'd be Matthew Garth, wouldn't you?

That's right.

You're as good as they say you are.

You're as good as they say you are.

Maybe as good as me.

That puts two of us at the head of the list.

Have to leave room for a third.

Have to leave room for a third.

Yeah? Who?

Dunson.

Is he that good?

He taught me.

He taught me.

Yeah.

How we doing?

What was all that shooting a while back?

That shooting was two of the best men with a gun

That shooting was two of the best men with a gun

anybody had ever seen together.

Who? Matt and Cherry Valance.

From Val Verde? Yeah.

From Val Verde? Yeah.

What happened?

They was having some fun.

Peculiar kind of fun.

Peculiar kind of fun.

Sizing each other up for the future.

Them two's going to tangle for certain,

and when they do, it ain't gonna be pretty,

and when they do, it ain't gonna be pretty,

'cause they got 1,000 miles to do it in.

How much flour you got? Twenty-eight.

Beans? Twelve.

Plenty of sugar?

Plenty of sugar?

Yeah.

You know, Bunk, I always figured Matt was better than...

You know, Bunk, I always figured Matt was better than...

Say, I could take that personal.

Yeah, and I could take the end of your nose off just as easy.

Man of your age stealing sugar.

Man of your age stealing sugar.

Go on, get the rest of that stuff.

All right, Pop.

Lapping up sugar before we've even started.

Lapping up sugar before we've even started.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Hiya, Matt. Hi.

Your bet, Dealer.

Check. Quo?

Me bet one silver dollar.

Me bet one silver dollar.

One silver dollar? Why, that's three days' pay.

Bet one silver dollar.

Put up or keep face closed.

Put up or keep face closed.

Keep face closed? Why don't you talk English?

Too much for me. What about you, Groot? What do you say?

Too much for me. What about you, Groot? What do you say?

Look, anything I hate is a happy Injun. Look at that gaperin' puss.

How's a body to tell when an Injun's running the bluff or not?

How's a body to tell when an Injun's running the bluff or not?

I think he's bluffing.

Look, will you call or fold?

Matt, how about throwing in a silver dollar?

Matt, how about throwing in a silver dollar?

No.

Why not? What is it? Table stake?

Yeah, sure it is. Quo's right.

You bet what you've got on the table and that's all.

You bet what you've got on the table and that's all.

Doggone, alack me, with a good hand and nothing to bid!

What in bag?

What in bag?

In the bag? Them's my store teeth.

Couldn't bet them.

Now, look, Quo,

Now, look, Quo,

them teeth's worth a heap of a lot more than your silver dollar.

Got any more money? No.

Got any more money? No.

No more money, eh?

I tell you what I'll do.

I'll bet you a quarter interest in my teeth against your silver dollar.

I'll bet you a quarter interest in my teeth against your silver dollar.

No. Half interest against your dollar.

Uh. You heard him. It's a bet.

There it is, boy, back to back.

There it is, boy, back to back.

Three men.

Three men.

Three men.

That dumb Cherokee betting a silver dollar against my store teeth.

And him with a set fitting to chew the brand off of the tough end of a longhorn.

And him with a set fitting to chew the brand off of the tough end of a longhorn.

Now wait a minute, Quo.

You really ain't gonna take a man's only set of teeth, are you?

Yeah, but I got to use them for eating.

Yeah, but I got to use them for eating.

Come grub, you get them.

What are you gonna do with them?

My name now Two Jaw Quo.

My name now Two Jaw Quo.

Two Jaw Quo.

That's what I get for playing with an Injun.

That's what I get for playing with an Injun.

I've worn this hat a long time,

and I'm going to continue to wear it.

Now if you've got any objections, I'd be liking to hear them now.

Now if you've got any objections, I'd be liking to hear them now.

It's your hat, brother. You made a wise decision.

Would you be wanting to get up now?

Would you be wanting to get up now?

(DOOR OPENS)

(MUSIC STOPS)

Well, we start tomorrow.

Well, we start tomorrow.

We're going to Missouri with 10,000 head.

Most of you men have come back to Texas from the war.

You came back to nothing.

You came back to nothing.

You find your homes gone, your cattle scattered,

and your land stolen by carpetbaggers.

and your land stolen by carpetbaggers.

There's no money and no work

because there's no market for beef in the south.

But there is in Missouri.

But there is in Missouri.

So we're going to Missouri.

I hear tell Cumberland... Cumberland didn't make it.

No one else has.

No one else has.

That's the reason I'm here.

I want you all to know what you're up against.

You probably already know,

You probably already know,

but I want to make sure you do.

We got 1,000 miles to go.

Ten miles a day will be good.

Ten miles a day will be good.

Fifteen will be luck.

It'll be dry country, dry wells when we get to 'em.

There'll be wind, rain.

There'll be wind, rain.

There's going to be Indian territory. How bad, I don't know.

When we get to Missouri, there'll be border gangs.

When we get to Missouri, there'll be border gangs.

It's going to be a fight all the way,

but we'll get there.

And nobody has to come along.

I'll still have a job for you when we get back.

I'll still have a job for you when we get back.

But remember this,

every man who signs on for this drive agrees to finish it.

There will be no quitting along the way.

There will be no quitting along the way.

Not by me and not by you.

There's no hard feelings if you don't want to go.

There's no hard feelings if you don't want to go.

Just let me know now.

(STAMMERING) Mr. Dunson, I...

It's all right, Dan. Go ahead.

It's all right, Dan. Go ahead.

Mr. Dunson, my wife...

You don't have to explain, Bill.

Thanks. Good luck.

Go on, Joe. Taylor.

Go on, Joe. Taylor.

MAN: Thank you, Mr. Dunson.

It's all right, Dan. Go ahead.

(STAMMERING) No, sir. I didn't mean to...

(STAMMERING) No, sir. I didn't mean to...

TOM: You mean what, then?

(STAMMERING)

I just wanted to say I want to go.

Fine.

Fine.

And the rest of you?

That means you're all coming along.

That means you're all coming along.

Good.

Matt here will sign you on.

We'll start at sunup.

We'll start at sunup.

All right, come on.

Sign your name or make your mark.

Let me sign first, Matt.

Ready, Matthew?

All ready.

Take them to Missouri, Matt.

Yee-hah!

Yee-hah!

(WHOOPING)

Yippee!

Yippee!

Yee-hah!

Yee-hah!

All right, Quo, let's go to Missouri!

All right, Quo, let's go to Missouri!

(WHOOPS)

(COUGHS)

(EXCLAIMS)

(EXCLAIMS)

There they are, Matt.

Fourteen years of hard work.

And they say we can't make the drive.

And they say we can't make the drive.

They could be wrong.

They better be.

(MEN YELLING)

(MAN WHISTLES)

(MAN WHISTLES)

Teeler, you and Walt and Simms are on the next watch.

Teeler, you and Walt and Simms are on the next watch.

Breakfast at 4:30, Groot. Trail at 5:00.

All right, Tom.

All right, Tom.

Hey, Quo, when you're finished there, get some...

What's the matter?

Grub finished? Sure. I ate.

Grub finished? Sure. I ate.

Give me tooth.

Teeth, I told you.

Look, it's only a few hours till morning, I'll be using them again.

Look, it's only a few hours till morning, I'll be using them again.

Come morning, you get 'em.

Now look, Quo. This is getting to be plumb crazy.

We've been doing this all day.

We've been doing this all day.

By the time we get to Missouri,

we'll have them all wore out

passing them back and forth and back and forth.

passing them back and forth and back and forth.

Tell you what I'll do.

I'll give you 100% profit.

I'll give you two dollars for your half interest.

I'll give you two dollars for your half interest.

Uh.

Not now. When I get it.

When we finish the drive.

When we finish the drive.

I get money, you get 'em tooth.

Teeth, you dumb heathen.

Teeth, you dumb heathen.

Why do I always have to...

Oh, what's the use?

The way we worked it,

along the Brazos to Palo Pinto,

along the Brazos to Palo Pinto,

up to the Red,

then north to Sedalia.

then north to Sedalia.

You make that drive to Sedalia look very easy.

There're a lot of rough boys along the border.

There're a lot of rough boys along the border.

I just got back from there.

And you want to stick your nose back in that country?

Cherry, how come you joined the drive?

Cherry, how come you joined the drive?

Just a notion I had and then Matt turned me down.

Made me want to go.

Made me want to go.

Besides, I've taken a liking to that gun of his.

(CHUCKLES)

Fat chance you got of getting that, bub.

Fat chance you got of getting that, bub.

You know, I've been wondering about that, Matt.

Why'd you turn me down? You're not afraid of me. Why?

You know what happens if this drive doesn't get to market?

According to Dunson, we lose our wages.

You've just been all through the state, what did you see?

You've just been all through the state, what did you see?

Yeah, I know. Cattle running wild,

carpetbaggers reaching with both hands,

ranchers roasting grain and calling it coffee.

ranchers roasting grain and calling it coffee.

I've seen a man try to swap a steer

for half a sack of flour.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I know why you want to get through. Maybe I do, too.

But why drive into Missouri?

Why not turn west at the Red and head 'em for Kansas?

Why not turn west at the Red and head 'em for Kansas?

Kansas, he says.

Fine howdy ma'am that'd be, heading them for Kansas

when the railroad's in Missouri.

Railroad in Kansas, too. What?

Railroad in Kansas, too. What?

Where? I saw the one in Topeka and there's one in Abilene.

Abilene? That's further west.

Abilene? That's further west.

Did you see it in Abilene?

I didn't get there.

I met a girl in Kansas City.

I met a girl in Kansas City.

She fancied she could sing.

She had other... You know,

if we could head west at the Red...

We'd save ourselves a heap of...

We're going to Missouri.

I've seen buyers and cash in Sedalia.

I've seen buyers and cash in Sedalia.

What have you seen in Abilene?

Not a thing. Just a girl told me.

Appears to me, Mr. Dunson...

Appears to me, Mr. Dunson...

I didn't ask you, Groot.

No. No, that's right.

You didn't ask me, Mr. Dunson.

We're going to Missouri.

Suppose if I tangled with him,

I'd have to take you on, too.

I'd have to take you on, too.

You'll find him a handful by himself.

You'll find him a handful by himself.

How much further we going today?

About four miles north of here, there's a good...

About four miles north of here, there's a good...

Hold that horse.

There's a good stream and bed grounds.

Cinch him up.

Cinch him up.

That old ankle's sure puffing up.

Yeah.

Yeah.

We're going to have to paint it tonight.

Keep 'em moving.

It's a good thing we got a big remuda.

It's a good thing we got a big remuda.

He's been wearing out three, four horses a day.

All the same, I don't like it.

What don't you like?

What don't you like?

Everything is going too good.

We're bound to have a hatful of trouble.

Always yammering, I tell you.

Always yammering, I tell you.

Well, I don't like to see things go good or bad.

I like them in-between.

I like them in-between.

Groot, what is Dan riding in Quo's wagon for?

Groot, what is Dan riding in Quo's wagon for?

I was wanting to discuss that myself.

What? I was wanting to discuss...

What? I was wanting to discuss...

I can't understand you.

Why don't you use your teeth?

Whoa!

My teeth is just what we was discussing.

Talk on your own time. Dan should be working.

Talk on your own time. Dan should be working.

If you was half human, you'd give them back to me,

you can see I could use them.

Besides, they help keep the dust out of my mouth.

Besides, they help keep the dust out of my mouth.

Keep mouth shut, dust not get in.

Bet I ate 10 pounds in the last 16 days.

Bet I ate 10 pounds in the last 16 days.

Before these shenanigans are over,

I'll probably eat enough land to incorporate me in the Union.

The state of Groot.

The state of Groot.

Ow! Hey, that hurt.

Teeth or no teeth, I can still use me a whip.

And you keep out of that sugar.

Too late, Pop. Already got me some.

Your sweet tooth is 'most as bad as having a whiskey tongue

Your sweet tooth is 'most as bad as having a whiskey tongue

or liking a woman.

A hundred days.

Well, all I got to worry about is feeding them.

Well, all I got to worry about is feeding them.

Come on, giddyup! Hyah!

(WHISTLES)

(WHOOPING)

Whoa. Hey, buster,

how's it down there?

This water's really fine.

This water's really fine.

Nice and cool.

Man could take himself a right good bath.

Matt!

What's the matter?

What are you stopping them for?

This water here looks pretty good.

Well, there's water three or four miles on ahead.

Well, there's water three or four miles on ahead.

The men are beat, they've had a pretty tough day. I think...

I'll do the thinking. Keep them going.

I'll do the thinking. Keep them going.

Hey! Buster, we're moving on.

Hey! Buster, we're moving on.

Come on. Get going.

I knowed this was too good to be true.

We're moving on. Why did he...

We're moving on.

We're moving on.

Giddyup!

Quo, we'll bed down here.

Quo, we'll bed down here.

All right.

Hi, Laredo. Just get in?

Yup. Got any coffee?

Yup. Got any coffee?

I'll get you some. Hi, Laredo. What did you find?

Good water ahead for the next three days.

Where's Dunson? He and Matt are out with the herd.

Where's Dunson? He and Matt are out with the herd.

(MEN SINGING)

Hello, Dan. Hello, Mr. Dunson.

How are they doing?

How are they doing?

Kind of... Kind of uneasy. They...

(COYOTE HOWLS)

That coyote ain't helping them none.

Whoa, cattle. Whoa.

Keep quieting them. They'll be all right.

Sure hope nothing happens.

I been thinking about the drive

I been thinking about the drive

and what it means to everybody.

Me, too. It means... It means...

What does it mean, Dan?

What does it mean, Dan?

Well, for one thing,

when we get there, I'll have over $100 coming.

when we get there, I'll have over $100 coming.

That's more than I ever had before and I...

What are you gonna do with it?

What are you gonna do with it?

A whole lot of things.

I'm gonna buy the old Chapin place

then I'm gonna... What are you gonna?

then I'm gonna... What are you gonna?

It's my wife.

She always wanted a little pair of red shoes,

She always wanted a little pair of red shoes,

and I kind of figured I'd get them for her.

Is that such a fool idea, Mr. Dunson?

Is that such a fool idea, Mr. Dunson?

It's a good idea, Dan.

I'd do it.

I will.

I will.

♪ They graze in the coulees

♪ Drink water in the ground ♪

♪ Drink water in the ground ♪

Don't make too much noise putting them pans away.

(COYOTE HOWLING)

(COYOTE HOWLING)

I don't like coyotes.

I don't like coyotes.

I had a little roan horse once and they...

(HOWLING)

(MOOING)

(MOOING)

I wish he'd quit a-yowling.

Bothering the cattle. Making them spooky.

Bothering the cattle. Making them spooky.

The dust and wind today put them on the prod.

Wouldn't take much to stampede the whole outfit.

Wouldn't take much to stampede the whole outfit.

I was in a stampede once. Don't want no more.

Nighthawk sneezed.

Nighthawk sneezed.

Just sneezed and the whole bunch was off.

They run for six miles before we got them headed.

That's when old Whizzer White and them three other fellers got it.

That's when old Whizzer White and them three other fellers got it.

I remember.

That's right, you knowed old Whizzer, didn't you?

Yeah. No stampedes for me. I...

Yeah. No stampedes for me. I...

(HOWLING)

(COWS MOOING)

I don't like them.

I don't like them.

I don't like coyotes.

Use your head, Teeler.

One shot on a night like tonight is apt to start the whole herd running.

One shot on a night like tonight is apt to start the whole herd running.

Sure. I wasn't thinking.

(PANS CLATTERING)

Kenneally.

(CLATTERING)

Stampede!

They're heading for camp!

They're heading for camp!

Head 'em off!

Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(SCREAMING)

(SCREAMING)

(GUN FIRING)

Hyah! Hyah!

Round up! Round up, Matt!

Round up! Round up, Matt!

Don't let them split!

(NEIGHING)

(NEIGHING)

Help! Hey!

Cherry, come here.

(GUN FIRING)

Turn 'em in!

Over this way, Simms!

Come on, head 'em down into the coulee!

Get into the canyon!

Get into the canyon!

Let 'em down! Let 'em down!

Let 'em down! Let 'em down!

All right, Laredo, hold them right in there!

Give him a hand back there, will you?

They're too tired to run anymore.

Have you seen Teeler or Dan Latimer?

Teeler's right over there on that high ground.

Teeler's right over there on that high ground.

I saw Dan right among them back near camp.

Next look, I didn't see him.

Next look, I didn't see him.

Buster, have you seen Latimer?

No, not since they started.

Where did you see him last?

Simms.

Dan was wearing checkered pants, wasn't he?

Dan was wearing checkered pants, wasn't he?

Yeah, and he was riding a little buckskin mare.

(COYOTE HOWLS)

I'll stay here till morning.

Did you find him, Tom?

Yeah.

We'll bury him and I'll

read over him in the morning.

read over him in the morning.

And, Matt, about his wife,

see that she gets full pay for the whole drive,

see that she gets full pay for the whole drive,

just as if he'd finished it.

Sure.

And get her a...

Well, anything else you can think of.

Like a pair of red shoes, maybe.

That's the way he wanted it, wasn't it?

TOM: "We brought nothing into this world,

"and it's certain we can carry nothing out.

"and it's certain we can carry nothing out.

"The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.

"Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen."

"Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen."

Bunk Kenneally.

You started all this, didn't you?

Yeah, I did.

I know it, and I'd do anything.

I know it, and I'd do anything.

A tally would show we're 300 or 400 heads short,

and you killed Dan Latimer.

Sure. Sure I did. I know that, too.

Sure. Sure I did. I know that, too.

I know it, I know, and I'd give...

I'd give my right arm... Stealing sugar like a kid.

I'd give my right arm... Stealing sugar like a kid.

Well, they whip kids to teach them better.

BUNK: They what? Laredo, Teeler,

BUNK: They what? Laredo, Teeler,

tie him to that wagon wheel.

No. No, they won't. Nobody's going to tie me to no wagon wheel. No, sir.

No. No, they won't. Nobody's going to tie me to no wagon wheel. No, sir.

Then you'll take it without a wheel to lean against.

Mr. Dunson, I was wrong, awful wrong,

but nobody's going to whip me.

but nobody's going to whip me.

Turn around, Bunk. Don't do it, Mr. Dunson.

Turn around or you'll get it in the eye.

Don't do it, Mr. Dunson. I tell you, don't do it!

(GUN FIRES)

(GUN FIRES)

You'd have shot him right between the eyes.

You'd have shot him right between the eyes.

Just as sure as you're standing there.

Well, you shot him. You can take care of him.

Well, you shot him. You can take care of him.

And the rest of you,

And the rest of you,

you got a couple of thousand head to round up.

Get at it.

Go ahead, say it.

You was wrong, Mr. Dunson.

You was wrong, Mr. Dunson.

Thanks, Matt.

He... He'd have killed me.

He... He'd have killed me.

Yeah. You gonna be able to make it home all right?

Won't be no party, but he'll make it.

Won't be no party, but he'll make it.

Groot will fix you up with some food.

Sure.

Take along an extra horse, huh?

Take along an extra horse, huh?

This might hurt.

You're fast with that gun, Matt, awful fast, but your heart's soft.

Too soft.

Too soft.

It might get you hurt some day.

Could be.

I wouldn't count on it.

I wouldn't count on it.

(THUNDER CRACKING)

(THUNDER CRACKING)

(EXCLAIMING)

Beef again?

Beef again?

I was figuring on having sow belly and beans.

I got a mite of that left, but it takes time to cook up a tasty meal.

I got a mite of that left, but it takes time to cook up a tasty meal.

I can't whip up no pate foie gras

with 30 hungry drivers breathing down my neck.

I could eat something else.

I could eat something else.

Well, you gotta bed down early, or you gotta have beef.

I don't like it myself. Me neither.

Who asked you to talk?

Who asked you to talk?

I was just saying the same as you was.

Well, you wait till you're as old as me before you talk like me.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

What's the matter with you? This stuff tastes awful.

Me and nature done the best we could.

You can't make burnt grain taste like coffee.

You can't make burnt grain taste like coffee.

Lousy muck. I'd like to tell that Dunson...

Give me some coffee.

What was it you wanted to tell Dunson, Teeler?

A man can't eat this kind of food.

A man can't eat this kind of food.

After we lost that other grub wagon, we should have turned back.

We didn't turn back, and we're not going to.

We didn't turn back, and we're not going to.

Even if we had, I couldn't replace what we lost.

I'm broke. I got nothing to buy it with.

I'm broke. I got nothing to buy it with.

So you're on short rations and bad coffee,

and you're gonna be until we finish the drive.

and you're gonna be until we finish the drive.

And you're gonna finish it.

Teeler, I like what the man says.

Like it or not, that's it.

Come on and get it, you hungry hounds.

(RASPING) My name's Sutter.

Been riding point for old man Garwood.

Over 2,000 head...

Over 2,000 head...

My neck. It hurts.

My neck. It hurts.

They put a rope around it and...

And then they...

That food sure looks good.

I haven't had anything in over four days and...

Well, a fella gets mighty...

TOM: Grab him.

Bring him over here.

Bring him over here.

There. That's better. I was nearly all in.

Want to hear about it now?

Want to hear about it now?

Go ahead.

Well, we had nearly 2,000 head of cattle,

along with old man Garwood.

along with old man Garwood.

Everything went fine till we crossed the big Red,

and then it happened.

We got as far as the Wichitas when they jumped us.

We got as far as the Wichitas when they jumped us.

How many were in that bunch that jumped y'all?

Oh, maybe 100, I guess.

Oh, maybe 100, I guess.

They stampeded the cattle,

then picked us up one by one as we came out.

We didn't have a chance, not a chance.

We didn't have a chance, not a chance.

Why did they put a rope on you?

They did worse than that.

They nailed Garwood's feet and hands to a wagon wheel.

They nailed Garwood's feet and hands to a wagon wheel.

He was dead when I got to him.

MAN: How'd you get loose?

Just luck. The rope they put on me was frayed and broke.

Just luck. The rope they put on me was frayed and broke.

We should never have gone that way.

We should've turned north at the big Red.

We should've turned north at the big Red.

Why do you say that?

A fella named Jess Chisholm, an Indian trader,

he told me he blazed a trail all through the nations.

he told me he blazed a trail all through the nations.

He said we could follow it clear to Kansas.

That way we'd only have Indians to worry about.

That way we'd only have Indians to worry about.

Where in Kansas?

Abilene.

Said there's a railroad there.

Railroad? He said there's railroad in Abilene?

Railroad? He said there's railroad in Abilene?

Did he say he saw it?

Well, I...

I...

I can't remember.

Give me a razor.

Want to come along with us?

SUTTER: Where to? Missouri?

Yeah.

Yeah.

No. I've had enough.

If you could spare a little food, though.

Sure.

I've had enough, too.

What? We started a drive we'll never finish.

What? We started a drive we'll never finish.

We'll finish the drive, Mailer.

I'll sell my beef in Missouri.

What do we eat on the way? Beef.

What do we eat on the way? Beef.

What do we drink?

Rain water if we have to.

Rain water if we have to.

Not me. I'm heading south.

I've had enough, Dunson.

Unless we try for Abilene.

Unless we try for Abilene.

You, Fernandez?

You, Fernandez?

Me, I think this way.

If I'm going to die, I go south to die.

At least my people can find my grave

At least my people can find my grave

and maybe put flowers on it.

There was an agreement made when you signed on.

There was an agreement made when you signed on.

You agreed to finish this drive.

I'm gonna hold you to it.

MAILER: How?

I don't want to have to kill you, Mailer.

I don't want to have to kill you, Mailer.

With what?

(GROANING)

All right, anybody else?

Say it now,

'cause I don't want to ever hear it again.

'cause I don't want to ever hear it again.

I don't like quitters,

especially when they're not good enough to finish what they start.

Go on, speak up!

Go on, speak up!

Say it, and you can join your friends here. All I want is...

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

I'm going to sit down.

You got work to do. You...

Watch it.

I was just getting myself a drink of water.

I was just getting myself a drink of water.

I'm just listening.

Well, there's quitters to be buried.

Well, there's quitters to be buried.

I'll read over them in the morning.

Planting and reading.

Planting and reading.

Fill a man full of lead, stick him in the ground,

Fill a man full of lead, stick him in the ground,

and then read words at him.

Why, when you kill a man,

why try to read the Lord in

why try to read the Lord in

as a partner on the job?

Well?

You didn't have to do that back there.

You joined in.

Yeah, and I thought you were wrong. Then why didn't you...

Don't try and tell me what to think.

Don't try and tell me what to think.

I'll take your orders about work, but not about what to think.

You think I'm to blame for that?

Just as sure as you're sitting there.

Just as sure as you're sitting there.

And so? So I'll take your orders.

Hit you in the leg, huh?

Yeah.

Yeah.

It ain't bad.

It went clean through.

It went clean through.

Ain't as bad as it should be.

You, too?

You, too?

What do you got to say?

Nothing. If I did, you wouldn't listen to it.

(GROANS)

You find him?

No. They're gone, all right.

That's a pretty how-do-you-do.

That's a pretty how-do-you-do.

You ought to...

No. I better tell him myself.

Tom. Tom.

Hold it.

Oh.

Oh.

Teeler, Laredo and Bill Kelsey are gone.

What? They up and left.

How do you know?

I went to wake them, and they wasn't there.

When did they go? During the night.

When did they go? During the night.

They was on second guard. It could've happened any time.

Anybody know anything about Teeler, Kelsey, or Laredo?

Anybody know anything about Teeler, Kelsey, or Laredo?

Ain't no doubt about it. I checked the wagon.

We're shy some cartridges, flour, and mighty salt.

How many cartridges?

How many cartridges?

This side of 100.

Flour? One sack.

Those sneaking, yellow...

Those sneaking, yellow...

Well, they're not going to...

Matt, get...

No.

Cherry, get mounted and take Grant here and...

Cherry, get mounted and take Grant here and...

Grant will be enough.

They'll probably head straight south.

Find them. Bring them back.

Find them. Bring them back.

Supposing they won't come? Bring them.

We'll catch up with you.

From now on, this outfit's gonna move.

From now on, this outfit's gonna move.

Get them going.

TOM: Matt.

TOM: Matt.

Keep your point moving. The drag's catching up.

Sure.

Red River ahead!

Red River ahead!

MAN 1: Hey, it's the Red River!

MAN 2: Red River ahead!

MAN 2: Red River ahead!

MAN 3: Red River ahead!

Hyah!

Hyah! Hyah!

Hyah! Hyah!

Well, here's your Red.

Well, here's your Red.

It's quite a river.

We sure had a lot smaller herd the last time we crossed.

We sure had a lot smaller herd the last time we crossed.

One bull and a cow.

Well, this looks like as good a place as any.

This'll take us the rest of the day and part of the night.

Why not cross fresh in the morning?

Why not cross fresh in the morning?

We'll put them across now.

We've got a pretty tired bunch behind us.

Tired men don't run away.

Tired men don't run away.

We can't keep them this wore out all the rest of the drive.

No, but we can keep them this wore out until Cherry gets back.

No, but we can keep them this wore out until Cherry gets back.

Then nobody will want to run away.

Mark for us, will you, Leather?

LEATHER: Sure enough!

LEATHER: Sure enough!

Hyah!

Quicksand down in here! Mark this!

More of it in here!

Mark it from the stump to the tree!

Mark it from the stump to the tree!

From the stump to the tree.

How is it up there, Matt?

Firm all the way!

All right! Bring them on in,

All right! Bring them on in,

but keep them downstream.

Bring them on, boys!

Matt, watch for strays.

Matt, watch for strays.

MATT: Right!

Come on, cattle!

Here, cattle!

Come on, cattle.

Come on. Get going now.

Hyah, cattle! Go!

Come on, cattle!

Come on, cattle!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Get over there!

All right. Get up there!

Hyah! Get over now!

Hyah! Get over now!

TOM: Straighten out that line!

TOM: Straighten out that line!

Keep downstream!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Keep coming!

GROOT: Bedroll's right down there, Tom.

GROOT: Bedroll's right down there, Tom.

Have some coffee, Tom?

I picked up a few... Hi, Matt.

Hi.

Hi.

We just picked up a few strays downstream.

All told, we've lost 30 to 40 head.

All told, we've lost 30 to 40 head.

Better than 9,000 head across in less than four hours.

That's awful good, Tom.

Boys did all right.

Boys did all right.

Yeah.

Why don't you tell them so?

That's their job.

They're awful tired.

Then we won't have to count noses in the morning.

Then we won't have to count noses in the morning.

That leg bothering you?

Yeah, I hooked it on a horn,

opened it up a little.

opened it up a little.

Take a look. No. Wait till morning.

You need sleep, Tom.

You need it bad.

Some nights ago we lost three men.

Some nights ago we lost three men.

I haven't slept since, and we haven't lost any more.

I haven't slept since, and we haven't lost any more.

We're not gonna lose any tonight, nor from now on.

Why'd we have to cross today?

Wouldn't tomorrow have been just as good?

Dunson's orders. Ask him.

Dunson's orders. Ask him.

We could have waited till morning

instead of finishing after dark.

instead of finishing after dark.

It don't make sense. We've got a long way to go yet.

He's getting worse every day.

He's getting worse every day.

Sometimes I think he's going plumb out of his head.

Why tell me? If you feel that way, what do you tell me for?

Why tell me? If you feel that way, what do you tell me for?

I'm sorry, I'd...

I'm sorry, I'd...

Here...

Matt, things ain't right.

It's him. He's got to get some sleep.

It's him. He's got to get some sleep.

If he don't, something's going to happen.

All the sleep he's had the last three nights

All the sleep he's had the last three nights

wouldn't fill a mouse's ear.

He won't sleep until...

He won't sleep until...

Yeah.

When do you expect Cherry back?

If he comes.

If he comes.

Tomorrow sometime.

(MAN HOOTS)

MAN: Looks like Cherry!

Hyah! Hyah!

(WHOOPING)

(WHOOPING)

Get down of them horses. I don't favor looking up to the likes of you.

Get down of them horses. I don't favor looking up to the likes of you.

That's better.

That's better.

You should be crawling.

Cherry, I sent you out after three of them.

You brought back two.

You brought back two.

Bill Kelsey figured he'd rather fight.

Made a good one of it for a while.

Hmm. Laredo, Teeler, you signed on for the drive.

Hmm. Laredo, Teeler, you signed on for the drive.

You signed on to finish it.

That's right, we did. But we...

That's right, we did. But we...

TOM: You stole beans and flour and cartridges.

Besides being deserters, you're common thieves.

LAREDO: The law might see it differently.

LAREDO: The law might see it differently.

I'm the law! You're a thief!

You, too, Teeler.

Anything more?

Anything more?

I know what you're going to do to us,

but first I wanna tell you something.

Go ahead. You're crazy.

You've been drinking, and you ain't been sleeping,

You've been drinking, and you ain't been sleeping,

if you ain't crazy you're skin-close to it.

You through? No.

You want to get this herd to market. Well, so do all of us.

You want to get this herd to market. Well, so do all of us.

There's a good way to Abilene, but you won't listen to that.

No, you wanna drive them to Missouri

No, you wanna drive them to Missouri

when you got the high, low and jack against you.

I ain't through yet.

This herd don't belong to you.

This herd don't belong to you.

It belongs to every poor, hoping, and praying cattleman

in the whole wide state.

I shouldn't have run away.

I shouldn't have run away.

I should have stayed and put a bullet in you.

I signed a pledge, sure, but you ain't the man I signed it with.

I signed a pledge, sure, but you ain't the man I signed it with.

You finished?

Yeah. Now you can get your Bible

and read over us after you shoot us.

and read over us after you shoot us.

I'm going to hang you.

No. No, you're not.

No. No, you're not.

What?

You're not going to hang them.

You're not going to hang them.

Who'll stop me?

I will.

Give me that gun. Somebody give me...

Give me that gun. Somebody give me...

I'll kill him. Let me go.

He was going to kill me.

He was going to kill me.

He didn't give me a chance.

Turn him loose.

Cherry, give me that gun.

Cherry, give me that gun.

Here's what you've been crying for. All right. Use it.

Go on. You got what you wanted.

What are you waiting for? If you don't want to live,

all you have to do is...

all you have to do is...

You're a lucky man, Teeler.

This is how close you came.

This is how close you came.

Matt, we're getting as crazy as he is.

Matt, we're getting as crazy as he is.

Keep it.

Keep it.

You want to finish the drive?

Where are we going? Abilene.

Who's heading it?

I am. What about Dunson?

I am. What about Dunson?

He stays here.

We're taking the herd.

That's good enough for me.

I'm with you, Matt.

(ALL AGREEING)

(ALL AGREEING)

Groot? How about you?

You was wrong, Mr. Dunson.

You was wrong, Mr. Dunson.

I've been with you a lot of years,

and up till now, right or wrong, I've always done like you said.

and up till now, right or wrong, I've always done like you said.

It got to be kind of a habit with me, I guess.

That's why I'm staying with you.

Go on with them.

Go on with them.

Thanks. Thanks for making it easy on me.

All right, Matt, I'll be coming with you.

Throw them on the trails! Start driving!

Throw them on the trails! Start driving!

Buster. You wait here till I get back.

Buster. You wait here till I get back.

You come looking for me, Mr. Dunson, I'll be in Abilene.

(MOOING)

All right, Groot. Get going.

Hyah! Hyah!

(WHISTLING)

If there's any chance at all,

If there's any chance at all,

we'll get your herd to Abilene.

Cherry was right. You're soft.

You should have let them kill me

You should have let them kill me

'cause I'm going to kill you.

I'll catch up with you.

I don't know when, but I'll catch up.

I don't know when, but I'll catch up.

Every time you turn around, expect to see me.

'Cause one time you'll turn around, and I'll be there.

'Cause one time you'll turn around, and I'll be there.

I'll kill you, Matt.

It's only me.

I thought... I was scared it was...

I thought... I was scared it was...

Yeah. Got some coffee?

Yeah.

I'm an idiot, been jumping at every sound I hear.

He wouldn't be coming back yet, would he?

I don't know.

You know, Matt, I've been figuring.

You know, Matt, I've been figuring.

He'd be a fool to come alone.

Then again, he might.

Then again, he might.

Yeah. Yeah.

Most likely, he'll ride back

and get men and cartridges.

You took all of his before we left, didn't you? Mmm-hmm.

Let me see now.

Nearest place is San Felipe.

Nearest place is San Felipe.

With that bad leg, he'll have to take it easy.

It will take him at least four days.

It will take him at least four days.

He'll pick up men and start after us.

That's four more. That's eight days.

That's four more. That's eight days.

And at the rate we've been traveling

it's eight days to the river... Nearer 10.

I've been figuring some myself.

I've been figuring some myself.

Four more, that's 16, and 20 is...

Twenty-two days altogether.

Twenty-two days altogether.

We've been gone four days.

Four from 22 is, uh...

Four from 22 is, uh...

That's 18 days from now.

That's 18 days from now.

He couldn't get back quicker than that, could he?

If that's how he does it, that's figuring pretty fine.

Yeah. The men are figuring pretty fine, too,

Yeah. The men are figuring pretty fine, too,

snarling and snapping

and jumping at their own shadows.

and jumping at their own shadows.

What do you think will happen when he does come back, Matt?

What do you think will happen when he does come back, Matt?

Yeah. I've been wondering, too.

The way he looked when we left him...

The way he looked when we left him...

It all happened so fast.

I didn't...

I hadn't started out...

I hadn't started out...

I couldn't let him hang Teeler and Laredo.

I couldn't let him hang Teeler and Laredo.

You ain't sorry you done it?

I don't know.

I don't know.

He was wrong.

I hope I'm right.

I hope I'm right.

I hope there's a railroad in Abilene.

(MOOING)

(MOOING)

MAN: Hey, Matt! Come here!

Matt, look at this.

About a day ago.

Not over a day as I make it.

Whoa!

Quo.

Comanche.

Are you sure?

Comanche arrow.

That's trouble.

The tracks lead north.

The tracks lead north.

Well, do we go on?

Which would you rather have,

what's behind or what might be ahead?

what's behind or what might be ahead?

Cherry. Yeah?

Cherry. Yeah?

You and Buster,

go on ahead about 10, 12 miles,

go on ahead about 10, 12 miles,

enough to give warning.

Get Groot to give you some food.

Take your rifles.

Teeler, see the rest of the men have theirs.

Teeler, see the rest of the men have theirs.

Buster.

(CATTLE MOOING)

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

You ought to get yourself some sleep, Matt.

You ought to get yourself some sleep, Matt.

Yeah. I'd like to.

When do you expect to hear from Cherry and Buster?

How much grub did they take?

How much grub did they take?

Only enough for three days.

TEELER: Gun, gun, gun, gun.

My gun. Where's my gun?

My gun. Where's my gun?

Teeler! Teeler, wake up!

You were having a nightmare.

You were having a nightmare.

You all right?

Yeah. I was dreaming. I thought he was following us.

Forget it. Try and get back to sleep.

Forget it. Try and get back to sleep.

How can a man sleep with Indians all ahead and him behind us?

How can a man sleep with Indians all ahead and him behind us?

He won't reach us for two weeks.

How do you know?

I don't.

I don't.

We'll start an hour early in the morning.

It's funny...

Funny what the night does to a man.

You're all right during the day.

You're all right during the day.

During the day they can see.

(MOOING)

(WHISTLING)

(WHISTLING)

Hyah!

(MAN WHOOPING)

It's Buster.

Women!

Women and coffee, I tell you! I seen them.

I have some!

No, no, I ain't I'm telling you.

No, no, I ain't I'm telling you.

I had pie and biscuits and beans and coffee,

and a bottle of whiskey all in the same day.

and a bottle of whiskey all in the same day.

(ALL CLAMORING) Women?

Hey, hey, hey.

Where was all this, Buster?

About 15, 18 miles north of here.

About 15, 18 miles north of here.

A whole wagon train of them, heading for Nevadee.

No fooling?

I ain't fooling, I tell you. I seen them.

I ain't fooling, I tell you. I seen them.

They belong to the Donegal.

He went to Nevadee and he sent back to New Orleans for his whole outfit.

They got a big, long bar and they got dice tables.

They got a big, long bar and they got dice tables.

They got dancing girls.

Let's go!

Hold it!

Hold it!

Buster, uh, you say about 15 miles away?

Maybe a little more.

Maybe a little more.

Yes. About a two-day drive.

Well, who's going to stay behind and drive the herd?

Well, who's going to stay behind and drive the herd?

Nobody. I don't blame you.

Nobody. I don't blame you.

We're going together and taking the herd with us.

That's fair enough. In two days, we'll all have a cup of coffee.

That's fair enough. In two days, we'll all have a cup of coffee.

You might tell the men. Maybe they'd like to hear.

(MEN WHOOPING)

Buster, where's Cherry?

Cherry, oh, well...

He figured there was no need in two of us coming.

He figured there was no need in two of us coming.

Yeah. One was...

Is she pretty?

Oh, Matt. Do you remember that little filly I used to own?

Oh, Matt. Do you remember that little filly I used to own?

That's what I figured.

Come on.

I've never seen such a bunch of men in all my born days.

Everybody wants to ride point

Everybody wants to ride point

so as they'll get in sooner.

I'll bet there ain't a man back in the drag. I...

What's the matter?

I thought I heard something.

Oh, hi, Buster. Hi.

How much further to your coffee, Buster?

How much further to your coffee, Buster?

Oh, it ain't so far. Any of that water left?

Cherry and me rode over this part at night.

Cherry and me rode over this part at night.

I'd say it was nearer than further.

(MAN YELLING)

What's he want?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Let's find out.

Team! Giddyup now!

Team! Giddyup now!

Team! Giddyup now!

Hey, Matt. I hear gunfire.

Where? Seems like it's coming from right over that next ridge.

Where? Seems like it's coming from right over that next ridge.

I hear guns cocking up ahead!

Yeah, I know, Laredo.

(GUNS FIRING)

Why do they always yell?

I don't know.

I don't know.

I make it a few past 100.

That's my count.

We're going to need the rest of the men.

We're going to need the rest of the men.

Laredo, while you get the men,

the four of us will go on in.

the four of us will go on in.

What about the cattle?

Herd'll go sage-belly without the men.

It'll take us days to gather them.

Yeah, I know, saving a bunch of gamblers and women.

Yeah, I know, saving a bunch of gamblers and women.

Laredo, when you get the men,

Laredo, when you get the men,

split them up.

Half go in from over there,

half from behind the knoll.

As you go in,

As you go in,

we'll come out from the wagons and meet you. Got that?

Yup.

Don't leave any of them alive,

Don't leave any of them alive,

or they'll come back and hit the herd.

Well, Buster,

Well, Buster,

want some more coffee?

All righty.

Don't shoot until you have to.

Don't shoot until you have to.

(EXCLAIMS)

Matt! Over here, Matt!

Matt! Over here, Matt!

Spread out!

Yell when you see them coming.

Glad you got here. They hit us about an hour ago.

The others coming?

The others coming?

Yeah, shouldn't take long. They're coming in...

They're coming in from both sides of that slope.

We're going out when they get here. Tell them, will you?

Sure.

Sure.

There's some extra guns and a rifle. Help yourself.

(GUNS FIRING)

(GUNS FIRING)

You're shooting high. Aim lower.

You're shooting high. Aim lower.

You're standing in a lot of mud.

The water barrel got hit.

You're still shooting high.

I probably am. I'm no good.

Stop wasting powder.

Load this for me, and keep down.

Load this for me, and keep down.

What are you so mad about?

I asked you why you're angry.

Is it because...

Is it because...

Because some of your men might...

Might get hurt? Killed, maybe?

Might get hurt? Killed, maybe?

Why don't you stop talking and load the...

That's fine.

That's fine.

Thought I told you to stay down. You did.

Why didn't you? Because I got up.

Why didn't you? Because I got up.

Not so bad.

Hold still.

All right, it's free.

MAN: Here they come, Matt!

You'll have to wait.

Ma'am? Ma'am, over here.

Ma'am? Ma'am, over here.

Watch her, will you? See she doesn't move till I get back.

(GUNS FIRING)

(GUNS FIRING)

All right, thanks.

All right, thanks.

Leave the cloth, will you?

I'm going to have to cut your dress away.

That shouldn't bother you.

It doesn't.

It doesn't.

I asked you before why you were so mad.

Is it...

Is it because your cattle,

the cattle Cherry told me about, might run off?

the cattle Cherry told me about, might run off?

Or maybe...

Or maybe you don't like the idea of helping...

Or maybe you don't like the idea of helping...

Helping a bunch of...

A bunch of what?

Yeah, that's what I thought you thought. This is going to hurt.

Yeah, that's what I thought you thought. This is going to hurt.

Like they say, this'll hurt you more than it does me.

No, this will hurt you.

(GROANS)

(GROANS)

You were right.

It did. Still leaves the poison.

It did. Still leaves the poison.

(SPITS)

(SPITS)

It's... It's too bad to...

To put you to so much trouble.

To put you to so much trouble.

Here. Hold this.

You got blood on your cheek.

Going to make you faint?

Going to make you faint?

I hope not.

At least not until I've done something

I've been wanting to do.

I've been wanting to do.

Well, I saw the slap.

Come on, lift her up.

What happened?

She's going to be all right.

She's going to be all right.

Where does she belong? Over here.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(PEOPLE CHEERING)

(PEOPLE CHEERING)

Any of your men hurt, Cherry?

Any of your men hurt, Cherry?

Not enough to count. We were lucky.

I said we were lucky.

Sorry, Cherry, I was just...

Sorry, Cherry, I was just...

I know. There's no use looking, Millay. He won't be coming.

I didn't really think he would. I just...

I didn't really think he would. I just...

Where is he?

Out with the herd, watching.

What's his name, Cherry?

What's his name, Cherry?

Matthew Garth.

Matthew Garth.

Matthew Garth.

Shoulder hurt much?

A little.

A little.

I made a mess of things, didn't I?

I don't know. I wasn't there. What happened?

Took one look at me

and made up his mind I was one of a bunch of...

One look, that's all he took.

One look, that's all he took.

Got mad. Wasn't any excuse. I just...

Yeah.

Tell me why he did that, Cherry.

There's a lot to it. I don't know the whole...

There's a lot to it. I don't know the whole...

Hey, Groot, come here.

This is Miss Millay.

This is Miss Millay.

Howdy, ma'am.

He's Groot. He knows more about Matt than anyone else.

She'd like to know about him.

She'd like to know about him.

What did you want to know?

Anything you can tell me, Groot.

Anything you can tell me, Groot.

Why?

See, I met Matt today just after he rode in.

We didn't get along very well,

We didn't get along very well,

and I want to find out why.

He thought I was...

He thought I was...

Hold it.

Right there.

It's okay, Buster. It's me, Matt.

(SIGHS)

(CHUCKLES)

I thought it was...

Ah, look at me.

Ah, look at me.

The fog's got me jumpy.

Wish it would rain.

He wouldn't pick you off in the fog, Buster.

He wouldn't pick you off in the fog, Buster.

No, I know it.

I ain't seen a thing till you come by.

I ain't seen a thing till you come by.

I'll be back at midnight.

Get Groot to fix you some food.

Get Groot to fix you some food.

We're starting in the morning.

Well, that's the story.

Well, that's the story.

Now you know more about him.

Yeah.

What would you do if you were me?

What would you do if you were me?

If I was you?

Now ain't that just like a woman? I ain't you.

Now ain't that just like a woman? I ain't you.

How far do you think you'd get with a puss like mine?

I'd like to talk to him if he'll talk to me.

I'd like to talk to him if he'll talk to me.

We ain't gonna be here but a few more hours. I know.

Morning, at the latest, we'll be gone.

I know that. I still want to talk to him.

I know that. I still want to talk to him.

That's the way you want it?

That's the way I want it.

That's the way I want it.

All right. I'll go see where he's at.

(RUSTLING)

(RUSTLING)

Matthew? Matthew Garth?

Over here.

Over here.

Groot said I'd find you here.

Groot said I'd find you here.

I wanted to talk to you. Is it all right? I wanted to...

You're shaking. You thought I was Dunson.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Hey, how did you... I know a little bit about it. Groot told me.

It's funny I...

I didn't imagine you being scared. It doesn't seem to fit.

I didn't imagine you being scared. It doesn't seem to fit.

It fits. I guess it does.

It makes things clearer. It helps.

Helps what?

Helps what?

I know how you feel. I'm scared, too.

That's why I'm talking.

It's the best thing to do when you feel that way. Just talk and keep on talking.

It's the best thing to do when you feel that way. Just talk and keep on talking.

No, really, it is.

I talk to myself even if I have to sit in front of a mirror and talk.

I talk to myself even if I have to sit in front of a mirror and talk.

I can just see myself... But, you don't have to do that.

You can talk to me. I'm right here.

If it would help... Oh, please.

If it would help... Oh, please.

You can tell me to mind my own business if you'd like.

If it would help any, you can hit me. Like I did you. Right across the mouth.

If it would help any, you can hit me. Like I did you. Right across the mouth.

It would be good for you to talk and I'd like to talk to you...

(TWIGS SNAPPING)

(WHISTLING)

(WHISTLING)

Please, I'd really like to talk to you.

Please, I'd really like to talk to you.

I'd like it better than talking to a mirror.

I want to know more about him.

I want to know more about him.

Why does he think that way?

Because he got to a place where...

Because he got to a place where...

See, he'd taken empty land, used for nothing,

and made it the biggest ranch in the state of Texas.

and made it the biggest ranch in the state of Texas.

Fought to keep it.

Flat-nosed bull and one cow,

that's all he started with.

And, well...

And, well...

Well, what?

After he'd done all that,

gotten what he'd been after for so long,

it wasn't worth anything.

it wasn't worth anything.

It wasn't worth having.

So he started this drive.

Everyone said you can't make it, you'll never get there.

Everyone said you can't make it, you'll never get there.

He was the only one believed we could.

He was the only one believed we could.

(THUNDER RUMBLING) Had to believe.

So he started thinking one way, his way.

So he started thinking one way, his way.

Told men what to do and made them do it.

Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten as far as we did.

Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten as far as we did.

Started them for Missouri.

All he knew was he had to get there.

All he knew was he had to get there.

I took his herd away from him.

You love him, don't you?

You love him, don't you?

He must love you.

That wouldn't be hard.

That wouldn't be hard.

Did you like that?

Did you like that?

I've always been kind of slow making up my mind.

Maybe I can help.

Don't need any more help. Will you do that again?

That was sure good. Yeah.

That was sure good. Yeah.

Anybody can fix good vittles

if they have something to cook.

I'm so hungry, I could eat anything.

Why don't you eat, then?

Why don't you eat, then?

Quo's out gathering wood. Sent him before I thought about eating.

Hi, Cherry. Hi.

It's raining hard in the hills. The river's rising.

It's raining hard in the hills. The river's rising.

It gets any worse we'll have a bad time crossing.

Sure don't want to get stuck on this side.

Sure don't want to get stuck on this side.

That's what I was thinking.

Somebody ought to tell Matt. I'll tell him.

Matt, Cherry was just saying it's raining hard...

Matt, Cherry was just saying it's raining hard...

Yeah, I heard.

I was figuring that way myself.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

We're leaving now.

All right. Let's get started. We're crossing tonight.

Cherry, take the point.

Start the bunch down on the flats first. Get going as soon as you can.

Start the bunch down on the flats first. Get going as soon as you can.

Anything else?

We can't take her with us, can we?

Well, we could, uh...

Well, we could, uh...

What?

No. No, I don't suppose we could.

Where you been? It sure took you long enough.

Where you been? It sure took you long enough.

Now we're moving, and I ain't had nothing to eat.

Come on, start packing.

Need anything else, ma'am?

Thanks, Danny. That's all.

Thanks, Danny. That's all.

MAN: Hey, we've got visitors!

Hiya, stranger. Where are you from?

Texas.

What can we do for you?

A trail hurried through here a while back.

A trail hurried through here a while back.

That's right. When?

Over a week ago.

They helped us out when the Indians hit us.

We've been patching up our wounded and damaged before moving on.

We've been patching up our wounded and damaged before moving on.

How far ahead are they?

They're gone eight days now.

They're gone eight days now.

Nine tomorrow morning.

Well, we're about ready to eat, mister.

You and your men can stick around. We'll feed you.

You and your men can stick around. We'll feed you.

Well, thanks. I'll take care of Mr. Dunson.

You two boys...

Some of you come with me.

How did you know my name?

We can talk about that later.

We can talk about that later.

Sit down.

I believe it's your beef we're eating.

I believe it's your beef we're eating.

Who told you that?

The man you promised to kill.

Did he tell you that, too?

Did he tell you that, too?

You're tired, aren't you?

Tired, hungry, and just a little bit irritable.

You'll feel better after you eat.

You'll feel better after you eat.

We'll talk then.

How did you get that away from him?

How did you get that away from him?

I stole it.

So you stole that bracelet.

How did you get it?

Would you really like to know, Mr. Dunson?

Would you really like to know, Mr. Dunson?

How did you get it? I got it in the rain.

Eight days ago,

Eight days ago,

before he took your herd across that river and left.

I'm wondering whether to believe you.

I'm wondering whether to believe you.

I don't care whether you do or not. I believe that.

Want to hear more? Go ahead.

It was raining.

It was raining.

If it hadn't rained, I wouldn't be here talking to you.

He wouldn't be where you could find him to kill him.

He wouldn't be where you could find him to kill him.

You still intend to kill him, don't you?

Nothing you can say or do is gonna... I didn't say anything.

Nothing you can say or do is gonna... I didn't say anything.

I'll get you another drink.

So he went off and left you.

I didn't give him that much credit.

Are you in love with him?

Are you in love with him?

I thought you'd ask that.

Can a woman love a man who'd go off and leave her?

Well, she...

Well, she...

She shouldn't. I wanted to go with him,

but he had work to do, he had to get your cattle to market.

but he had work to do, he had to get your cattle to market.

Said I wasn't strong enough to go,

and nothing I could do or say would make him change his mind.

and nothing I could do or say would make him change his mind.

But I wanted to go with him.

I wanted him so much that...

I wanted him so much that...

That you felt

like you had knives sticking in you.

like you had knives sticking in you.

How did you know that?

I suppose other people have felt that way before.

They have.

Will you tell me something, Mr. Dunson?

Will you tell me something, Mr. Dunson?

What? Why do you want to kill him?

Because he's a thief. Do you think he thinks that?

He should.

He should.

I picked him up in the brush leading a cow. That's 14 years ago.

Taught him all I could.

Taught him all I could.

He knew what I was planning,

saw what I was building.

He knew that someday it would all be his.

He knew that someday it would all be his.

His land, his cattle, the whole thing.

We even talked of a woman,

We even talked of a woman,

as men will talk.

A strong woman

who could bear him sons. A woman like you.

who could bear him sons. A woman like you.

Why did you want him to have a son?

Because I'd built something built it with my own hands, and I can't live forever.

Because I'd built something built it with my own hands, and I can't live forever.

I've got to live to see it grow.

Thought I had a son.

Thought I had a son.

But I haven't...

And I want one.

I'm sorry for you, Mr. Dunson.

I'm sorry for you, Mr. Dunson.

Very sorry.

Stand up. Hmm?

Stand up. Hmm?

Stand up and turn around.

Don't tell me what to do, Mr. Dunson.

All right.

Well, Miss...

I don't even know your name.

Millay. Tess Millay.

Millay. Tess Millay.

Well, Miss Millay, what would you say

if I offered you half of everything I own for a son?

if I offered you half of everything I own for a son?

Your son?

You can have a son, can't you? That's all that matters.

By Dunson, out of Millay.

By Dunson, out of Millay.

Half of everything you've got.

That's right.

I'll have your son, Mr. Dunson,

I'll have your son, Mr. Dunson,

if you'll stop now.

Stop now and go back where you came from. I'll have your son.

I thought so.

I thought so.

When did you...

Did you really hurt that arm? I hurt it.

It's almost well.

It's almost well.

You can take that gun out of the sling now.

Wouldn't have done you any good.

When did you fall in love with him?

It was...

It was under a wagon, in six inches of mud.

It was under a wagon, in six inches of mud.

When did... When did you...

What? When did you fall in love with her?

What? When did you fall in love with her?

Who?

The girl you told me about, the one you left. Walked out on.

I told you about? Did he tell you...

I told you about? Did he tell you...

No, you told me.

You knew how I felt when he left me.

She must have felt the same way when you left her.

She must have felt the same way when you left her.

That's right, isn't it? Or can't you remember?

I can remember.

Oh, I... I hope so

because I want you to think about it

because I want you to think about it

while I ask you something.

I want you to think hard.

What?

What?

I want to go on with you.

That won't do any good. Nothing you can say or do...

I know, you told me that,

but, please, I want to go with you.

but, please, I want to go with you.

Please.

All right.

Thanks.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks a lot.

Why don't you use it?

Oh, you mean...

Would there be any use going if I did?

We'll start early.

I'll be ready.

You know, I've been thinking. Abilene just ain't.

We probably missed it.

We'll probably keep going clear to Canada.

We'll probably keep going clear to Canada.

We'll be driving the herd up and down icebergs yet.

We'll find it.

We'll find it.

If we do find it,

it'll be awful tough if the railroad ain't there.

It's got to be there.

But if it ain't?

But if it ain't?

Keep driving till we find it.

Or until Dunson finds us.

(TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS)

Hey, hold it a minute.

What was that?

Do you hear something?

Do you hear something?

(MEN WHOOPING) I didn't hear nothing.

I heard it. It was nothing I ever heard before.

They're yelling down on the point.

(WHOOPING)

We made it!

We made it!

Hi. Howdy, howdy, howdy.

Hi. Howdy, howdy, howdy.

We're looking for Abilene.

Mister, I sure am glad to see you. I sure am.

Mister, I sure am glad to see you. I sure am.

Are you going to Abilene?

You're a sight to behold.

If you'd tell us where Abilene would be,

we'll get out of your way.

we'll get out of your way.

Mister, let me set here and feast my eyes.

If you knew how much we've been waiting for cattle and how welcome you are,

If you knew how much we've been waiting for cattle and how welcome you are,

you can sit on them tracks till kingdom come.

All we want to do is get to Abilene.

Don't rush me, mister. Don't rush me.

Don't rush me, mister. Don't rush me.

If you want to get there,

you can take the shortcut there about 12 miles,

or you can follow the track just a little longer.

or you can follow the track just a little longer.

I reckon we'll take the shortcut.

I'll wait all day here for you to cross. Take your time.

See you in Abilene.

See you in Abilene.

Hey, mister, can you blow that whistle again?

Sure can!

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

Just look at that. They smell like a...

They even smell good.

They even smell good.

Yahoo!

Well, there she is, Matt.

Yeah.

There was times I thought we were never gonna make it.

There was times I thought we were never gonna make it.

(MEN CHEERING)

Hey, it looks like they're as glad to see us

as we are them.

as we are them.

Howdy do. Hi.

Howdy do. Hi.

Welcome to Abilene. Who's in charge?

I am.

My name's Melville.

Garth. Matthew Garth.

Garth. Matthew Garth.

We're sure glad to see you, Mr. Garth.

That goes for all of us.

Man, man, don't stop them.

Man, man, don't stop them.

Keep them coming, keep them coming.

Everything's ready and waiting for you.

The engineer told us you were coming.

The engineer told us you were coming.

Oh, he gave us a fine welcome.

What's the best way to the stockyard?

Drive them straight through town.

Drive them straight through town.

They're not exactly housebroken.

That's all right.

We've been waiting a long time for this.

We've been waiting a long time for this.

You just drive them straight down that Main Street

and let the folks have a look at them.

We'd like to ride along with you.

We'd like to ride along with you.

Sure. Come on. Keep them coming!

(MEN CHEERING)

It's a great sight, Mr. Garth.

It's a great sight, Mr. Garth.

I don't believe you realize what a great sight it is.

Cherry, hold them there. Right.

I'd like to have a business talk with you.

I'd like to have a business talk with you.

Can these boys handle things?

They've been doing it for over 1,000 miles.

They've been doing it for over 1,000 miles.

Oh, Pete.

You stay here.

Anything those boys want out there,

Anything those boys want out there,

you give it to them.

Buster. Buster.

Cherry, watch things, will you?

Cherry, watch things, will you?

Sure.

Come on in, boys.

Come on in, boys.

What's the matter?

What's the matter?

The roof is funny. We haven't been under one in three months.

Sit down.

Let's talk a little business.

Let's talk a little business.

Mr. Garth, I'm, uh...

Say, what's your first name?

Say, what's your first name?

Matthew. Matt,

I'm the Greenwood Trading Company of Illinois.

I'd like to buy your beef.

I'd like to buy your beef.

That's why we came.

How many you got?

I don't know exactly. We started out with well over 9,000.

I don't know exactly. We started out with well over 9,000.

Man alive.

We've lost 600 or 700 on the way.

We won't have them all in here till 8:00 or 9:00 tonight.

We won't have them all in here till 8:00 or 9:00 tonight.

We haven't got corrals enough for half that number.

We could leave them right in the streets.

We could leave them right in the streets.

They're good and tired. They should stay right where they're put.

Sure. That'll be all right.

What's your price?

What's your price?

Well, uh...

I'm kind of new at this.

I'm kind of new at this.

Would you make me an offer?

All right. $20.

You...

You...

A head?

$20 a head.

$20 a head.

Well, uh...

How can a man deal with someone who's done what you've done?

How can a man deal with someone who's done what you've done?

I'll give you top price that anyone else offers for a lot of 500,

and I'll take the whole herd.

and I'll take the whole herd.

Looks like you're gonna buy yourself a lot of beef.

If that engineer was here,

If that engineer was here,

I'd get him to blow his whistle again.

All right. I'll draw up a contract and have it ready for you tonight.

Buster and I will ask around

Buster and I will ask around

and find out what you'll have to pay. We'll be back later.

Do you need anything else? Need some cash?

Do you need anything else? Need some cash?

I sure could use some. I'd like to pay off the men.

All right.

It'll be ready and waiting for you tonight.

It'll be ready and waiting for you tonight.

All right. Thanks, Mr. Melville.

So long. So long.

They crossed here, all right.

Not over four or five hours ahead.

Not over four or five hours ahead.

Here you are, Matt.

Here you are, Matt.

You'll have to sign this.

Here's a check to Thomas Dunson for $50,000.

The rest will be paid when the tally's finished

The rest will be paid when the tally's finished

at $21 a head.

You see, I've taken a credit

for the money you wanted to pay off your men.

for the money you wanted to pay off your men.

I suppose...

I suppose they'll be celebrating.

I suppose they'll be celebrating.

They've got a right to.

Of course they have.

There's three times in a man's life

when he has the right to yell at the moon.

when he has the right to yell at the moon.

When he marries,

when his children come,

and when he finishes a job

and when he finishes a job

he had to be crazy to start.

When do you expect to be leaving, Matt?

When do you expect to be leaving, Matt?

I don't exactly know.

You're going to wait for Dunson, huh?

I've been talking to some of your men.

I've been talking to some of your men.

Isn't that check

and the fact that you got here

and the fact that you got here

going to make any difference?

I don't think so, Mr. Melville.

I suppose I'm crazy, but...

I suppose I'm crazy, but...

You want me to run away.

No.

Of course not.

Couldn't... Couldn't I talk to him?

Couldn't... Couldn't I talk to him?

I'd still have to talk to him after that.

Good night, Mr. Melville.

Get a good night's sleep.

Yeah, I could use some.

Yeah, I could use some.

Good night.

Evening, Mr. Melville.

Evening.

Well...

Work's not done yet, huh?

Work's not done yet, huh?

No, sir.

Well, you fellas see you get her done.

I like that boy, too.

I'll buy the drinks when it's over.

I'll buy the drinks when it's over.

He's...

He's...

He's camped two or three miles outside of town.

He says he'll be here just after sunup.

He says he's going to kill you.

He says he's going to kill you.

What's the matter? Is something...

Oh.

I must look like I'm in mourning.

I must look like I'm in mourning.

I didn't mean it that way, or I wouldn't have...

No. No, Matthew.

No. No, Matthew.

I know you have only a few hours,

but listen for just a minute, that's all,

and then I won't talk about it anymore. Just a minute.

and then I won't talk about it anymore. Just a minute.

He hasn't changed his mind, Matthew.

I didn't think he would.

We saw the railroad,

We saw the railroad,

and I thought it might make a difference, but it didn't.

Nothing would. He's like something you can't move.

Nothing would. He's like something you can't move.

Even I've gotten to believe it's got to happen,

your meeting...

I was going to ask you to run, but...

I was going to ask you to run, but...

No, I'm not.

It wouldn't do any good.

You're too much like him.

Oh, stop me, Matthew, stop me...

Oh, stop me, Matthew, stop me...

(SOBS)

God bless you, Matthew.

God bless you, Matthew.

(MOOING)

Morning. ALL: Morning.

Morning. ALL: Morning.

Got a match, Walt?

I told you all where you stand in this.

See that you remember it.

(WHOOPING)

Hey!

He's got plenty with him. How many?

Oh, 10 or 12. I'll be telling Matt.

Right.

Right.

He's coming in now.

He's got about 10 with him.

He's got about 10 with him.

You know that young man isn't going to use his gun, don't you?

You know that young man isn't going to use his gun, don't you?

Yeah.

But I haven't any such notion.

But I haven't any such notion.

Mr. Dunson.

Mr. Dunson.

Mr. Dunson, I'll say it just once more time.

Go on. Draw.

I said draw.

Then I'll make you.

You're soft.

You're soft.

Won't anything make a man out of you?

You once told me never to take your gun away from you.

You once told me never to take your gun away from you.

You yellow-bellied, chicken-livered...

It's going to be all right.

For 14 years I've been scared,

but it's going to be all right.

but it's going to be all right.

Get up. Come on. Get up.

(GUN FIRES)

(GUN FIRES)

Stop it. Stop it.

Stop making a holy...

Stop it, I said!

I'm mad. I'm good and mad. Who wouldn't be?

I'm mad. I'm good and mad. Who wouldn't be?

You, Dunson, pretending you're going to kill him.

That's the last thing you'd...

Stay still! I'm mad, I told you!

Stay still! I'm mad, I told you!

And you, Matthew Garth,

getting your face beat up and all bloody.

You ought to see... You ought to see how silly you look,

You ought to see... You ought to see how silly you look,

like something the cat dragged...

Stay still!

Oh, what a fool I've been,

Oh, what a fool I've been,

expecting trouble for days,

when anybody with half a mind would know you two love each other.

It took somebody else to shoot you. He wouldn't do it.

It took somebody else to shoot you. He wouldn't do it.

Are you hurt?

No, just nicked...

Then stay still.

No, don't stay still. I changed my mind.

No, don't stay still. I changed my mind.

Go ahead. Beat each other crazy.

Maybe it'll put some sense in both of you.

Maybe it'll put some sense in both of you.

Go ahead. Go on, do it. Use this.

Oh, you can't. It's his.

You'd better marry that girl, Matt.

Yeah. I think I'd...

Yeah. I think I'd...

When are you going to stop telling people what to do?

Right now.

At least as soon as...

When?

As soon as I tell you one thing more.

As soon as I tell you one thing more.

What?

When we get back to the ranch,

I want you to change the brand.

I want you to change the brand.

It'll be like this.

The Red River D,

and you'll add an "M" to it.

You don't mind that, do you?

You don't mind that, do you?

No.

You've earned it.