Original subtitles

How much farther, Captain?

Well, we should make it to Fort Mason by sundown

if this map's anywhere near accurate.

Sure hope it is. Wouldn't want

to spend the night in Indian territory.

They're not supposed to be between here and the fort,

according to the Department of the Pacific.

Looks like some of them didn't get the message.

What's that, Corporal?

Over there, Captain.

Army rifles.

No sense chasing them any further.

Their horses are fresher than ours.

Hey, McCullough!

Yeah, what can I do for you?

How long do you think it'll be

before we get to that port?

Well, three or four days, I guess.

Major Adams said that a week ago.

We lost time going north for water.

Seems to me if you and Major Adams

planned things better, we wouldn't run short.

Yes, ma'am. We'll try and have it rain sooner next time.

Howdy, Major.

Howdy.

How's the back?

It'll do.

Next time a wagon gets stuck in the sand,

I wish you'd get someone to help you.

Yeah, a small boy or somebody to take the strain off you.

Oh, you're real funny, the both of you.

Real cute!

What's all the conversation back there?

Oh, the usual gripes.

Now I know what you have to put up with.

Comes with the job, I reckon.

First they sign a paper that says

I'm supposed to be the wagon boss,

then they spend half their time giving me

free advice on how to run things.

Eh, mainly they're just tired...

Tired of being thirsty, tired of being hot,

tired of traveling, and most of all, tired of each other.

Nothing I can do about that.

Now they're beginning to worry about Indians.

Maybe it's a good thing, too...

Take their mind off their other problems.

You know...

might be a good idea if you ride on out

and butter up old Chief Thundercloud.

You know him, don't ya?

A little.

Charlie, go over to the wagon and get a salt lick,

sack of sugar, and some tobacco.

Chief or no chief, they still like presents.

Good idea.

Say, you might stop in at Fort Mason, too.

You know Colonel Beauchamp there?

No.

He's the CO, a good officer.

Give him my respects and tell him

we might like to rest there for a day or so.

All right, Major.

You think you'll get along all right without me?

Get...

Listen, you young squirt, I made out pretty good

long before you was born.

Now go on, get outta here.

Take care of him, Wooster.

I'll do that.

Full of beans, ain't he?

Sure is.

You'd think he have respect for old age, wouldn't you?

What...

Hey, what are you doing there!?

King, king.

Where'd you get a king?

Starting a little early in the day, aren't you?

Why, you know perfectly well the doctor said

I should have a glass of sherry now and then for my blood.

He said you had to have one glass at dinner.

I'm writing to Elizabeth Bowen.

Should I add your congratulations for Edwin?

He made brigadier general, you know.

Yes, I know.

Now, let's see.

He was four years behind you at West Point, wasn't he?

This is possibly the wrong time to bring it up,

but I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't walk out

during the color ceremony,

at least not where everyone can see you.

Oh, Charles, for heaven's sake.

It's difficult enough maintaining

military discipline out here among the men.

I simply happened to be in a hurry.

You simply happened to want to show once again

that you don't consider this much of a military post.

You made that quite clear in private,

and I'll have to ask you to keep it that way.

How can you stand there and be so pompous?

You suppose it matters what happens to anyone

out in this miserable little post

in the middle of nowhere?

It happens to be my command.

As long as it is, I'll run it the best I can.

Isn't it enough we missed out on the war

while everybody else was getting promoted?

Do we have to spend the rest of our lives

in this God-forsaken country?

Are we ever gonna get back to civilization?

It hasn't been what you wanted for us.

I know that.

But there's a job to be done here.

Somebody has to do it.

Why does it have to be you?

Why can't it be somebody else?

I've always believed that they thought

that this was important, too.

Maybe I've been deluding myself.

Maybe they didn't think I was good enough for a wartime command.

You just never fought for it, that's all!

You just took what they gave you.

Maybe I never realized how much it meant to you.

Doesn't it mean anything to you

that men four years behind you

have been made brigadier general?

Are we ever gonna get back to Washington...

where we can live like human beings,

see people we have something in common with.

We used to have a lot in common,

just the two of us.

Is it wrong to want more?

Do I have to be ambitious for both of us?

I'm sorry, Clara.

You're not sorry at all,

'cause if you were, you would've done

something about this a long time ago,

instead of letting us rot out here

while everybody else is getting promoted.

Replacement detachment coming in, sir.

Very well.

Captain Pearson reporting for duty, sir.

Glad to have you with us, Captain.

My orders, Colonel,

and a dispatch from Headquarters Pacific.

You look like you had a hard ride.

We ran into some Indians, but we chased them off.

Oh? Did they give you any trouble?

No, sir, but we...

Come to my office, Captain.

Take charge of the new men, Evan.

Yes, sir.

Sit down, Captain.

Now, tell me what happened.

Well, as I said, sir, we came across this war party.

How do you know it was a war party?

This map was marked to me at headquarters before I left.

It shows the areas the Indians

were to be contained in by a treaty.

They were out of it, and armed with Army rifles.

I gave them those rifles to hunt with.

Isn't that most unusual, sir?

Possibly, but it takes away

their incentive to steal them

and puts them on their honor

about how they use them.

It didn't seem to stop them from violating the treaty.

They were probably chasing game.

Besides, these lines were drawn

in Washington, not out here.

Yes, sir. But I thought

we were here to see the treaty was kept.

I'm not going to start a war

because a couple of young bucks wander

a few miles out of their territory.

I let their own chief handle minor violations of that kind.

You mean you trust him to police his own men?

How long have you been in the West, Captain?

This is my first duty, sir.

Before that, I was in the war.

Well, we're fighting a different kind

of battle here, a battle to prevent war.

It doesn't get headlines or commendations

from Washington; it just saves lives.

Now, that chief and I have an understanding.

He's responsible for the actions of his men,

and I'm responsible for mine.

A lot of people don't believe it will work,

on both sides.

Quite a few don't want it to,

but if it breaks down, it won't be my fault.

Mrs. Beauchamp and I would like you

to have dinner with us tonight, Captain,

if you're not too tired.

I'd be delighted, sir.

At 7:00, then?

Thank you, sir.

Hi!

Hi! Oi!

Stop!

You a soldier who kill brave?

I scout for a wagon train, not the Army.

You know that.

He was dead when I found him.

No bullet. Gone.

That's right.

I was coming to your village.

I brought salt, sugar, tobacco.

Look at my saddlebags.

Presents from the wagon train.

You go now.

Tell Colonel he let white men pass in peace,

bring one soldier who did this.

You'd attack women and children

for what one soldier did?

You protect wagon train.

I protect my people.

Bring answer tomorrow.

This assistant secretary of war.

I don't see how you can take it so calmly, Charles.

However will we entertain him in a place like this?

I don't think he's coming here to be entertained.

Nevertheless, we have to show him we don't live like savages.

Did you ever meet him in Washington?

No, ma'am.

More sherry?

Oh, no thank you.

Oh, go on. Just a little.

I don't really like the taste of it,

but the doctor says I have to take some now and then.

For my blood.

Well... now, let's see, what were we talking about?

Oh, yes, the assistant secretary of war!

I knew several cabinet members when I was younger.

There was Mr. Tanner and Mr. Edwards.

They were both friends of my family.

My father never was in politics,

but he was very influential.

People were always asking him to run for the Senate

from Virginia, but he never would.

He was too busy taking care of the plantation

and taking care of my mother.

Her health wasn't very good.

Sometimes when we entertained important visitors,

she wouldn't be strong enough to leave her room,

and then I'd be the hostess.

Those were lovely days.

I'm sure they were, ma'am.

Well, look at me.

You wouldn't think that I was quite

the belle of the ball, would you?

Oh, I can well believe it.

Well! I can see that West Point

still produces gallant officers.

But you look too young to be a captain.

Well, my class was lucky.

We graduated just in time to get in the war,

or I'd still be a second lieutenant.

Oh, I wish something were to happen out here!

Well, it's true.

How will they ever know how good you are

unless they hear about you?

I imagine it's like holding

a defensive position in the war.

It might be tactically sound,

but it doesn't make newspaper headlines.

That's very well put, isn't it, Charles?

I couldn't have said it better.

Where can I find Colonel Beauchamp?

He's quartered to the left, last building.

Thank you.

Why, your glass is empty, Captain.

Uh, let me pour it.

No thank you, sir.

I believe that I will have a tiny drop more.

Colonel Beauchamp?

Yes, come in. Thank you.

I'm Flint McCullough.

I scout for a wagon train headed by Major Seth Adams.

Oh, glad to meet you, Mr. McCullough.

Major Adams is an old friend. How is he?

He's fine, thank you. He asked me to send you his respects.

Thank you. Let me present you to my wife.

My dear, this is Mr. McCullough.

How do you do, Mr. McCullough?

How do you do, Mrs. Beauchamp?

Captain Pierce and Mr. McCullough.

Captain.

Excuse me for interrupting your supper, ma'am.

Oh, that's perfectly all right.

We have so few guests. Won't you join us?

No thanks, I ate on the trail.

May I speak to you a minute, Colonel?

Yes, go right ahead. It's all right.

I just left Chief Thundercloud.

One of his braves has been killed,

and he blames your soldiers for it.

I thought you told me there were no casualties.

I didn't think there were, sir.

He made it pretty clear he'd attack the wagon train

unless you sent him the soldier responsible for it,

and he wants an answer tomorrow.

Shall I break out the troops, sir? No.

Well, Charles, you're not gonna do

what that savage demanded, are you?

Of course not!

I don't understand, sir.

If that's his ultimatum, how can you avoid a fight?

I don't know.

You have two choices.

Either you take orders from the Indians, or you give them.

Perhaps I can have a third choice.

I'll have someone take care of your horse

and see that you get a place to sleep.

Thank you no, Colonel.

If Thundercloud's going on the warpath,

I'd better get back.

Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. McCullough.

Tomorrow is time enough for that,

if there's no other solution.

Excuse us.

Certainly.

That's all right, Captain.

Will you stay and keep Mrs. Beauchamp company?

Are you sure you won't have more sherry?

No thank you.

Well, at least let me pour you some coffee.

Thank you.

My husband...

He's such an idealistic man.

But you know Washington wants results, not theory.

Sugar? No thank you.

I'm sure that you could impress this

upon the Colonel far better than I seem able to.

I'd be glad to give the Colonel

any advice I can... when he asks for it.

Well, that's rather shortsighted, isn't it?

In what way, ma'am?

Well, a practical man like you must share

my hope for the Colonel's advancement...

as well as your own.

I will have cream, please.

I'm sure that he would see to it that you were rewarded,

in case your advice was successful.

A practical man knows enough

not to give advice to his commanding officer.

Excuse me.

Good night, ma'am.

Good night, Captain.

The wagon train's about here.

Now, I'd like to get word to the Major

as soon as you make your decision.

Don't worry. I won't let them walk into any trouble.

Frankly, Colonel, I don't see how you're going to avoid it.

Thundercloud means business.

Maybe I can't, but I've got till morning to try.

Very well.

I took care of your horse, sir.

There's a bunk for you in the barracks. Thanks.

Good night, Colonel, and good luck.

Thank you.

Refreshing, isn't it?

Oh.

Yes, it is, ma'am.

Must be a whole lot of responsibility.

I mean, having the safety of a whole wagon train depend on you.

Right now, that depends on the Colonel.

Did he say what he was gonna do?

No, ma'am.

He hasn't decided yet.

Oh.

Well, I'm sure he'd give

a lot of consideration to your opinion.

What do you think he should do?

It's hard to say, ma'am.

What you mean is you don't want to.

I didn't say that.

He has his job, I have mine.

He doesn't tell me how to scout,

and I don't tell him how to run his army.

Well, nevertheless, you must have some ideas.

Well, having an idea

and having to make a decision,

that's two different things.

Well, in any case, what would you do?

You mean if I were in command here?

Why, yes.

Well, I'd weigh the values and...

try to make a decision that would help

the greatest number of people...

just like your husband.

You men certainly do stick together, don't you?

It works out better that way, ma'am.

Good night.

Good night.

I waited up for you.

I just couldn't go to sleep

without telling you...

I'm sorry for the way I behaved.

Oh, that's all right.

Oh!

I just don't know what gets into me.

I want so desperately for you to have

the recognition you deserve.

Well, you do understand that, now, don't you?

No, no, no, now I want to finish.

Now, everybody knows that you've tried

your best to prevent trouble, they know that!

But now that it's here,

I just can't pretend that I'm sorry.

Oh, I want so much for both of us,

and this is your chance!

Why, you've been...

patient and kind and understanding,

and it hasn't worked.

Well, now's your chance to do

what you came here to do

the only way they'll ever hear about it...

By force.

Oh, you can do it with a clear conscience.

You'd better read this.

I'm sending McCullough with it in the morning.

"While I cannot accede to your demand,

"neither do I want war between us.

"Therefore, I propose a third way,

"that you and your men come to my fort as my...

"my honored guests,

"so that I may apologize for the grief you have suffered,

and afterward we may sit down together in friendship and understanding."

Have you taken leave of your senses?

He knows I won't sacrifice any of my men,

and he doesn't want war any more than I do,

but he had to take a stand.

This gives him a way out without losing face.

Supposing the assistant secretary of war comes here

while you're playing host to these savages.

Well, I imagine he'd find it very interesting...

heh, different, anyway.

Well, I'm sure he would.

A colonel of the United States Army

kowtowing to the people he was sent out here to govern!

There's a phrase in the Declaration of Independence...

"with the consent of the governed."

Now, I can't hope the Indians will go that far.

After all, they were here first.

But if we can sugar-coat it a little,

it'll be worth our while.

Our trouble?!

You're not including me in this!

Well, you're the colonel's lady.

If you think that I'm gonna make

a social occasion out of this

and behave as if they're honored guests...

You speak of them as savages.

They think of us the same way.

Oh...

I was hoping that this would give both sides

a chance to learn something,

and it would help if you would be a part of it.

Well, I won't be!

If you're gonna make a fool of yourself,

I will not be dragged in on it.

Couldn't you try for my sake?

I can't and I won't, is that clear?

I don't believe you'll need any advice

from me on how to deal with the Indians.

It won't be easy, and when you get there

you'll have to play it by ear.

I don't think it's Thundercloud I have to worry about.

It's the young braves,

like the hothead that tried to knife me.

Well, if this works, maybe it'll give the chief

enough prestige to keep them in line.

Anyway, it's worth a try.

I'll do my best, Colonel.

Good luck. Thank you.

You come with answer?

I have.

The Colonel wrote it down

so there could be no mistake.

Here is his signature, and here is his seal.

No want message. You bring one soldier.

The Colonel, as a man of honor, cannot do that,

but he agrees with Thundercloud.

You have been wronged.

He wants you and all your braves to come to the fort

so that his soldiers and your braves

can see that their chiefs are friends.

My men are warriors. I am their chief.

No go back on word to them.

When your warriors see how the Colonel respects you,

you will seem even stronger to them.

This has never happened before, Thundercloud.

Your name will be spoken

by many tribes throughout the land.

How I know we trust soldier now?

You have my word on it...

and you have the Colonel's word.

And if I didn't believe him, I wouldn't be here.

They're coming, sir, about two miles away.

Is the scout with them? Yes, sir.

Good. Thank you.

Captain, there are two things

you might remember about Indians.

They're curious, which is one

of the reasons that they're here,

and they love a big show.

Let's give 'em one.

Have the men fall in.

Yes, sir.

First time I ever heard of stacking arms

when Injuns was comin'.

Move along.

You sure this is all right?

It don't have to be all right. It's an order!

This is liable to be a mighty bald company before this is over.

Ooh, look at us!

I gather your party is about to commence.

Yes.

What do you suppose I should wear at this gala occasion?

I thought you decided not to attend.

Well, I've changed my mind.

After all, you reminded me I'm the colonel's lady.

What do you suppose I should wear?

Oh, now, let's see.

Ah! I've been saving this one.

Do you suppose this would meet

with the chief's approval,

or should I wear an Indian blanket

like all the rest of the squaws?

I think it would be wiser

if you stuck to your original decision.

How formal we are.

What you really mean

is that you think I am drunk.

Why don't you say what you mean?

Clara, Clara, please!

You think I'm gonna disgrace you

in front of your high-class friends.

I don't think we need go into that.

Do you know why I drink?

Because I am bored!

I'm bored with this post,

I'm bored with your precious Indians,

and I'm bored with you.

That is why sometimes I take too much sherry,

keep myself from getting bored to death.

Well, is that a crime?

I'd rather we kept that between us.

Under the circumstances, I think it's best you stay here.

That an order, sir?

Welcome to Fort Mason.

This is Captain Pearson.

We will eat together.

Have the men fall out.

Hup.

After you.

Thank you.

Pretty good-looking horses.

I wonder where they stole them.

Eat hearty, Captain.

Now we can talk as friends.

I'm sorry for what happened.

The men who did it were new here.

They did not know of our agreement.

It will not happen again.

You punish soldier here, where everybody see.

Are you willing to do that to your men?

My men no kill.

They were out of their territory.

They broke the agreement, too.

Maybe so. No reason to kill.

That's why I've asked you here,

to put an end to this senseless killing.

I hear words before.

Green Oak dead.

Will talk feed Green Oak's squaw, papoose

when winter come?

I'm sure the Colonel

will have them taken care of.

You have my word on that.

That oughta satisfy you, Chief.

I want my men see soldier punished here.

Doesn't look to me like your braves

want to see anybody punished.

They just want to eat.

Shall we let them?

You want to try?

You try.

No, no. This side.

This side. Try.

That's good! That's good!

Come on, let him play some more.

Give him some encouragement.

That's good! You know what to do.

Let him try.

Everybody try.

Come on!

Charles?

Clara.

Well, I couldn't pass on such a lively party.

Here, give to me.

Aren't you gonna introduce me to your guest of honor?

Chief Thundercloud, this is my wife.

Well, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance.

I've heard so much about you.

I'll get you a chair.

No! I don't want to sit down.

I want to dance!

Well!

I haven't danced like that since I left Washington!

Why, thank you, Mr. McCullough.

Thank you, ma'am.

Perhaps you would like some coffee, Clara.

Why, thank you!

Oh! Excuse me.

Our guest of honor first.

Of course, it should be champagne,

but this is the best we could do.

Perhaps Chief Thundercloud doesn't care for coffee.

Nonsense! He'll like it.

It tastes good.

Ohh!

You clumsy savage!

You clumsy savage!

He's a savage!

Chief Thundercloud. Thundercloud!

My dress. My new dress...

Come in. Thank you.

I followed Thundercloud back

and hung around till sunup.

There's no doubt about it.

They're getting up a war party.

You don't have a choice any longer, Colonel.

I know. I knew it the moment they left.

I guess I've just been hoping for a miracle.

If we hurry, we can still beat them to the wagon train.

Tell Captain Pearson to break out the troop.

I'll be there by the time they're ready.

Thank you.

Charles.

Well, Clara, you've won.

We're going to fight them.

We're leaving right away.

I promise you I'll never drink again!

Never!

You won't have to be ashamed of me ever again.

I've got to go, Clara.

You're angry at me. I don't blame you.

I did terrible things.

Oh, you'll see,

everything will work out after this is over.

I won't drink ever again, I promise you.

We'll be happy, the way we used to be.

No, Clara, not the way we used to be.

It took a long time dying,

but it's gone.

All ready, sir.

Squad B will stay here to protect the fort.

The rest ride out!

Forward! Hey-o!

There's the Indians' camp, ma'am.

Now, if they were heading east,

they'd probably follow this dry wash right here.

Thank you. Would you have my horse

saddled right away, please?

You're not fixing to leave the fort, are you, ma'am?

The Colonel wouldn't like that.

I'll take the responsibility.

Yes, ma'am, but... Right away, please.

Yes, ma'am.

Which way?

This way'll get us to the wagon train faster.

Please, help me.

Take me to Thundercloud.

She was looking for you,

but one of your men saw her first.

Don't blame my husband

or the others

for what I did to you.

Please forgive me.

We'd better be shoving on, Colonel.

Good luck, Major.

Thank you, sir. Same to you.

Good luck.

Good luck, sir.

Dismiss the men, Captain.

Yes, sir.

You're, uh, sure of your decision, Colonel?

It's a big job, you know,

advisor to the president on Indian affairs,

and, uh, a star goes with it.

I'd rather stay here, if they'd allow my request.

Well, I... I'm sure they will.

I'll say good-bye, then, Colonel.

Good-bye, sir, and thank you.

You know, I never did understand just what that woman

was doing out here all by herself.

What'd she do, get lost?

For a while.

Not at the end, though.

Let's go. Wagons ho!