Original subtitles

That's the crew of the shore band? How about you? Yeah, well,

tomorrow we go back to work.

Anthony Larm arrives here about this morning with the rest of his cargo.

Oh, incidentally, you've been feeding his cargo guard the rest of the crew? Yeah,

what's the special cargo on this charter job? Well, I don't know.

We'll find out when he gets here.

Oh, listen, tell Carney when he gets back...

Fix that steam lock, huh? The valve's been sticking. And wait up for me, huh?

You know, it's a funny thing.

Every time we get to a town with over 50 people in it,

I always seem to draw a deck line.

Why, Ben, you don't think that I'm trying to interfere with your fun now, do you?

Tell you what.

You go ashore tomorrow, and I'll load the car. Well, that's fair enough.

I'm going to show Miss Train at the town.

Oh.

Well, I wouldn't do that if I were you, Ben. It's the second time you've said that.

What are you getting at? Forget it. You're 21. You can take care of yourself.

Just don't get hurt, huh?

Don't worry about it.

Mr. Lorimer likes men who know how to take orders. He'll be told about this.

Thanks, Mr. Lansing.

Well, you know where to take him. If you meet anyone, tell him he's drunk.

If you don't hear from me in four days, kill him.

You all right?

I didn't even see him. Well, those river rats don't even waste a minute.

I think I scared him off before he got anything, though.

Mr. Fraser, I need some of your crew to stand watch.

I'm sorry, Lorimer's cargo isn't our responsibility until it gets on board the boat.

Ben?

Sorry, Rose, it was just a sneak thief.

Sure you're all right?

Yeah.

Have some more coffee, Sergeant.

You'll need it.

You're crossing the Mississippi tonight.

Tonight, sir?

I want you in Fort Davis by morning.

Give this report to the colonel.

You'll know where to find the steamboat?

I've got a pretty good idea where it's going now.

Anthony Lorimer has several hundred guns.

He's ready to go ahead.

Kind of hard to believe, Lieutenant.

He doesn't look the sort from what I've seen of him. Neither did Aaron Burr.

He was organizing an army to seize land and create

an empire for himself when he was arrested.

It was never proved in court, sir. Sergeant, we've been watching Lorimer,

tracing his gun purchases from a dozen different sources,

and his trail led right here to Louisiana.

He acted secretly every step of the way.

But now I know where those guns are.

And the Army has a case against them, and they go right ahead... Who is it?

The desk clerk, sir. I have a letter for you.

Just a minute.

Looks like trouble. Get going and good luck.

Well, I can't get far. Go get him.

One moment, Sergeant.

Who are you?

The name is Lansing.

I'm with Anthony Lorimer. It means nothing to me.

You bought into this game, mister.

You lose.

I want the report Lieutenant Peterson gave you.

You aren't hurt, Ben.

I'm all right.

Well, did he steal anything?

I don't think so.

It's a cargo for some farmers on the Red River.

I'll check in the morning.

Ben, I have something to tell you.

Here I am.

These three days on the river have meant a great deal to me.

The fun and... well, meeting you.

It meant a lot to me too, Rose.

They're not over yet.

Well, in one way they are.

Not yet?

No, Ben, please. Oh, sir.

You've been on the river a long time.

There have been other women passengers, and... Well,

it's a lonely trip traveling alone.

Surely you must have...

What's bothering you, Rose?

Nothing.

Never mind.

Good night, Ben.

Rose, I want to see you tomorrow. I want to show you the town.

I'm sorry. I won't be able to see you again.

Not like this, on deck.

What do you mean?

Rose, I ask you a question.

Please, Ben.

Don't make it any harder for me than it is.

Well, I didn't have any luck at all, Ben. I couldn't find the captain anywhere.

Looked at all the good bars and all the bad ones.

The crew just came back. I didn't see them anywhere either.

We had a prowler last night, but nothing's missing.

You don't tie that in with the captain, do you?

No.

It's a funny thing, though.

Gray Holden's not the kind to go gallivanting off someplace. Not without telling me.

Something must have come up. More cargo, more than likely. Well,

I hope you're right. Well, listen, if you think we should look some more,

I'll round up all the boys.

No, not yet. We'll give them another hour.

All right, you men, get those boxes loaded.

Well, Mr. Larmer, here we are.

Final step.

Oh, Mr. Lorimer, I wasn't expecting you till morning.

Captain Holden isn't back yet. You received my letter in Memphis?

Captain Holden did, yes.

What about your cargo? My men are unloading the last wagon.

Have your crew put it aboard. I'm Ben Fraser, the pilot. I'm aware of that.

But I've charted the boat.

You'll haul my property along with myself and my assistants.

We'll sail down the Mississippi, then west to the Red River.

I take my instructions from Captain Holden.

He tells me what I carry and where I carry it. Well,

our destination will be 300 miles up Red River in Arkansas State.

It's my own settlement.

A community of farmers known as Lorimer City.

Mr. Lorimer, maybe I got off on the wrong foot with you, but then start loading.

Oh, Mr. Lansing is my right-hand man.

He'll give you your sailing orders. Now, wait a minute. The cargo, Mr. Fraser.

Let it rot. Guns do not rot.

We have 500 rifles over there, and you're loading them now.

What are you trying to pull? We don't carry guns as cargo.

Let me make myself clear, Mr. Fraser.

I am Mr. Lorimer's protection officer, and for his farms.

Captain Holden will not be joining us.

What do you mean?

Just that.

We do not tolerate opposition.

Captain Holden is in a safe place as our guest.

His good health depends upon your cooperation.

I don't believe you. You're bluffing.

Give me his coat.

I think that's easy to prove. You know his work jacket?

Does this look familiar? It's his.

There's blood on it.

He was difficult. He's not blabbing about the captain.

Now, Mr. Fraser, you're the officer in charge.

Order your men to turn their weapons over to me.

You're not taking over this boat.

Turn your guns on the crewmen. I don't want them talking to anyone in the town.

Place it in the bow.

You came.

I wasn't sure.

Oh, you knew I would.

I'll never take you for granted again.

Well, I want to hear you say you miss me.

Oh, you know I did. I did. I thought every minute that I'd wake up and, well,

just find it was gone and it was all a dream.

We all dream, my dear.

But only a few of us have the strength to turn our dreams to reality.

But we can plan and talk later.

You're here.

That's the important thing.

Oh, Mr. Lansing will give you your sailing orders.

Now give us a little privacy.

I caution you not to do that again, Mr. Fraser.

This crew's going to throw you right off the boat, Lansing.

I disagree.

Let me make myself clear for the last time, Mr. Fraser.

Captain Holden remains in a place unknown to

you and in the company of two of my men.

You'll see him again in four days, provided you cooperate with us.

What if I don't?

We'll bury the two of you.

What kind of thieves are you?

Why, we are not thieves, Mr. Fraser.

Anthony Lorimer's a very great man.

His voice is opening up the wilderness, settling the land, building farms,

Guiding new settlers to organize ideal communities with 500 rifles.

Oh, we've gathered those guns from Charleston, Baltimore,

as far north as Philadelphia. It's still very wild country along the Red River.

No, I want your guns.

We have to take them.

What's that thing?

Fires 100 bullets a minute or more.

It's a new Belgian invention, a rapid-firing rifle, and my man knows how to use it.

You see, I'm not a gambling man, Mr. Fraser, and I take no chances.

Show them how it works. Give them a sample.

Again, another sample.

We've come a long way, Fraser.

We're not turning back.

And I don't think you'll throw us off the boat.

Your guns, please. You're in command, Ben. Give us the word.

And don't forget the captain.

He's right. We want Gray back and alive.

Give him the guns.

Well, it's about time you got it loaded.

Did you hear him?

How much more do we have to take?

Well, he's got guns and we haven't.

He's right.

He and his killers are going to get Gray back.

We'll take him down, River,

but every minute we'll be trying to find out where they got him.

Well, he's got four days. If he's alive. There's someone that might help us.

She won't.

At least I'm gonna try.

Tony?

Charming, Rose, charming.

Do you like it?

I think it's beautiful.

It's one that you bought me in New Orleans.

It needed you.

Thank you. Tony.

I heard about your trouble with Mr. Frazier.

No trouble at all, my dear.

But you're holding Captain Holden somewhere. He's your prisoner.

My plans are too big, too important to be upset by a riverboat man.

But surely if you told Ben, he'd understand.

He wouldn't listen. Small men never do. Like Captain Holden,

all he believes is in brute force.

He'll not be harmed, my dear, if he does his job. I give my word on it.

But knowing how he must feel, he and Captain Holden are very close friends.

Is it the good Captain Holden or the old Mr. Fraser you're worried about, my dear?

Oh, no, Tony, I'm only thinking of you.

I know what you're doing is important.

I believe that with all of my heart.

Then you must trust me.

The cargo's aboard, sir.

You'd better get up on deck. I don't trust the crew.

They don't obey orders fast enough.

Wait for me, my dear.

Ben.

Oh, Ben, I'm so glad you're here. Let me talk to you.

I only want to talk about one thing, Rose.

Where's Gray Holden?

I don't know.

I think you do.

No, they didn't tell me.

Oh, Ben, I know how you feel. Everybody seems

to be your enemy right now, but I'm not.

Then tell me what you know, Rose.

I'd help you if I could.

Don't you understand? I'm trying to save Gray's life.

Ben, I honestly don't know where he is.

I'm getting mighty tired of waiting on His Majesty there.

Why don't we cut him loose?

Let him earn his keep.

Either that or let's kill him right now.

Well, Armour said to keep him alive for four days, and he wasn't kidding.

I don't want to be the man that crosses him.

All right.

But I'm getting real sick of spoon feeding him.

I'm going to cut you loose.

If you try anything funny, just you remember.

We can always tell Lorimer you try to make a break for it.

Thanks a lot, boy.

You pour me a cup of coffee.

Why don't you watch what you're doing, you clumsy ox? Leave him be!

You pour that coffee.

You've had your accident for the day.

You just put that pot down on that table real calm and easy like.

Why, Blinky, you don't think that I'd...

I don't think you would do nothing but try to get out of here or anything else.

But you ain't gonna get a chance,

so you get over there and clean up that mess you made.

All right.

Get a cup and come on, pour yourself some coffee.

Thanks.

You know, you fellas know how to treat a man.

It's real cold in here.

I didn't want a slab of bread!

That's better.

Now, Juan, you do the dish portion and the cooking. It's fine.

Which one of you boys does the sewing?

Thanks for the promotion, anyway.

Do you want to see me? Yes, won't you sit down?

What do you want, Lorimer?

Our mutual friend, Miss Traynor, persuaded me to talk to you. Well, you can save it.

You're being insulting to the lady.

Perhaps you need a lesson in manners and tact.

No, Tony, please.

Ben listened to him.

You must understand.

I already do. And I say you don't.

Please, Ben.

You're just hurt because I'm in Mr. Lorimer's camp.

I can see that.

But you would be too if you knew about his great works and his plans for the future.

All right, Lorimer.

Tell me about your great plans.

To drive settlers from your land who won't do business with you?

No. And what are the guns for?

To protect the people who have placed their

lives in my trust. Protect them from what?

From land speculators, from promoters, from hostile Indians.

Don't you see, Ben?

One day that wilderness is going to be a state. One of the biggest.

I believe that too.

It doesn't need you, Lorimer.

You're wrong, Fraser.

I want to build a new land.

A place where men can lead a decent life.

Not be governed by cheap, bickering politicians. Lorimer City is just the beginning.

We'll set an example for the whole world to follow.

You're gonna do all that with guns.

What have guns got to do with that?

Mr. Lorimer is a good man.

He has men in every major town describing Lorimer City.

Free land.

It won't take long, Ben.

People will come here by the thousands.

This country will grow without men like Lorimer. Not for what they can get.

You're like all the rest of the blind fools, Fraser.

I'm a man of action.

I'm building the ideal community, the perfect state.

Without dreamers, there'd be no followers.

The trouble with you is, you don't believe that some men are born to govern. No,

I believe it's something you gotta learn, something you gotta work for.

Let's not hand any man on a platter.

He seemed to be prowling around, sir.

Have you ever seen him before? No, sir.

Now come out, with your hands in the air.

What is this, Lansing? Who is this man? This

is Lieutenant Peterson, United States Army.

Spy, tracker, and hound dog.

You're the man I saw on the dock last night.

That's right.

Army Secret Service.

We've been investigating Anthony Lorimer's promises.

Last night I found the evidence we needed. Evidence of what? An armed rebellion.

You have rifles.

Possessing guns is not illegal.

Unless they're to be used as a conspiracy to seize government land.

And I believe they are.

Our report's on the way to Fort Davis.

You'd be wise to turn in at the nearest town and surrender.

You can stop play acting now, Lieutenant.

Your report won't get to Fort Davis.

Sergeant Weldon's dead. Is this man telling the truth, Lansing?

Lansing!

I see no man.

Put away that gun.

I see no gun.

Put it away!

Where's the army man?

Army man?

I don't know what you're talking about.

I saw no army man.

You need some rest, Mr. Fraser.

You're imagining things.

I can't believe it that they'd go up against the army like that.

Well, the stakes are big, Joe, real big.

They killed Peterson and threw him overboard. It had to be that way.

Yeah, and it's only your word that you ever saw the man.

Yeah, with what we know, none of us are gonna get

off this boat alive once we deliver that cargo.

Well, at least they need us to run the boat.

Yeah.

Back!

Yeah, Connie. We're in trouble down here. Steam key's locked.

He's building up pounds of pressure.

Well, cut the lock. You'll blow us all up. Cut the lock.

I can't. It won't cut. It's too late. I've got the crew on deck.

Well, get out yourself. I'll be right down. Take the wheel, sir.

These fools fast! I told you to check it! Well, I

didn't do it! What a Lansing's man!

He wants to run me boiler room! What's going on down here?

Why have the paddle wheels stopped?

One of your men brought the steamlock. I'll see him get an official.

We ought to cool off the whole boat, though.

Come on, get me out of here. Where's Grey Holy? Let me out of here! I'll tell you.

Tell me where he is. He's in a shack up in the river. Now let me out of here!

Where is he?

What's happening?

What road? Get me out of here! Where is he? Tell me where he is!

Give me a chance! Ben! Ben, she's going up! I said, can we all go up with a bang?

Tell me where he is! Give me a chance! Where? Where?

The pressure's dropping!

Tommy! The bluff is over, Fraser! It's no bluff!

That valve isn't frozen anymore!

Yeah.

Hello, Mrs. Winter.

Hello, Ben. Haven't seen you in months.

It's good to see you. Is your husband around?

No, he's out in the woods. This is one of his chopping days.

You can do business with me.

All right, let's see what you can sell me.

Can we get a message out of here?

You got trouble?

I need some men, men with guns.

Ben, where would we get them? You know, we're

far from people up here. Where's the captain?

He's a prisoner.

Look, I've got to get a message to the sheriff.

He only comes around once in three months. The nearest

town is 40 miles away. I wish I could help.

What did you tell her, Fraser?

Nothing.

Just who do you think you are, giving orders? This is my land.

Oh, get out of my way. Don't try it, Fraser.

Lansing, stop it.

Get out of here.

You know Mr. Lorimer doesn't treat people that way.

I'm so sorry for what happened. That's all right.

It isn't the first hard knock I've ever had.

That's the kind of person that'll suffer if Lorimer has his way.

That isn't true.

Mr. Lorimer is a good man.

Oh, don't give me that.

Oh, Ben, listen.

I grew up on the river.

There were keelboats then, and I had nothing.

But I was pretty, and I had a little school learning.

And I got along.

You don't have to explain to me, Rose.

Ben, please. I want you to hear.

I went to New Orleans with a riverboat gambler.

He was killed there over a poker table. After that, well,

I got along the best way I could.

I was working in a gambling hall when I first met Lorimer.

He fell in love with me, Ben.

He's given me a chance to be somebody.

And he wants to marry me.

So now you're his spy.

Spy.

Because I wanted to pretend I was a girl again, walking with a boy.

I didn't have to pretend, Rose.

Yes, I know that now.

But Ben... Ben, it was always too late for you and me.

The only thing I have left is my belief in Lorimer and what he's doing.

You can see why I can't change.

It's too late for me.

Rose, it's never too late if you believe in something.

Now tell me where Gray is.

Then I can't tell you that.

You've known where he is all along.

Then you're hurting me. Tell me, Rose, tell me!

Then you know I'd help the captain if I could. Yeah.

Help him to die.

If he tries any more of his tricks, I'll kill him myself.

Well, I'm quite certain Holden is secure.

But I'm not so sure about Fraser.

He won't give up. What'd he say to Rose?

They had a long talk.

He wanted her to do something for him. I trust Rose.

Well, I don't.

She won't help him.

And after tomorrow, it won't matter. You know, Larmer,

this whole business is beginning to bother me.

We're making friends.

Settlers want to join us.

I don't know how to take you, Lorimer.

Are you going to let Fraser go back down river from Lorimer City?

He'll be back with a load of federal troops so fast you won't be able to think.

I see no reason for that.

We haven't harmed him or his captain.

Holding them is a necessity.

But I most certainly intend to set them free.

I don't.

What?

I intend to burn this boat and let the Hulk block up the channel for good.

I won't let you.

I gave my word. But I didn't give mine. Don't talk to me that way.

You're my employee.

I pay you. I'm not letting you ruin everything we've built.

The boat goes, and so do Holden and his pilot.

The men at the Hendricks cabin have their instructions.

I'm not leaving anyone around to tell tales.

I forbid it.

You hear me? I forbid it.

And my service is no longer required? Now, just

a minute, Lansing. I'd be very glad to go.

You know you're indispensable to me.

Anything wrong, Rose?

Get rid of him, Tony.

He's vicious.

The way he treated Mrs. Winther.

More of Ben's talk?

No, I was there. I saw it.

I don't trust him.

I'll talk to him.

You mustn't let this disturb you, Rose.

Tony, I've believed in you.

And now because of something Lansing's done, you lose faith in me.

Yes.

He laughed at you.

He laughed at your leadership.

Rose, you don't understand.

Are you so blind you can't see that he's just using you, biding his time?

Why, he'll take over when he's ready.

Take over?

Everything you've created.

He's greedy, Tony.

You're wrong, Rose.

He's my friend.

I trust him.

But I'm beginning to wonder if you're really on my side.

You're always defending the river people.

It's time you learned that I won't tolerate any enemies in my work.

If you got in my way, I destroy you too.

Where's Ben?

Please, it's important.

Well, he went to the engine room. It's back out.

Ben, I've got to talk to you. Please, it's important.

We've said all there is to be said, Rose.

Ben, I know you're right.

I was a fool making myself believe something when I knew better.

You've got to get away.

You've got to get back to Captain Holden.

Lansing plans to kill you both and burn the boat.

What do you mean, burn the boat?

Lorimer won't stop him.

What about Gray Holden? Where is he?

He's in a shack on the River Road, a few miles

from Union Point, the Hendricks place.

How do you know?

Lansing just told me.

You can get there alone, Ben. The Winthrops have horses.

What will Lorimer do when he finds out you told me?

He won't hurt me. Now hurry.

I'll try to keep him away so you have a chance.

Thanks, Bruce.

Are you done? Take your time about fixing it. I know where Gray is.

I want to borrow one of your horses. I'll get him back to you.

Help yourself.

Where are the other horses?

He stole the only horse we own.

Now you ought to kill you.

One more killing shouldn't bother you.

You told Fraser where Holden is.

It had to be you.

You're the only one who would have guessed it.

I want to know why.

You lied to me, Tony.

It was all a pack of lies, wasn't it?

You're just what Ben said you were.

A man out to get all he can no matter who gets hurt.

And marrying me.

That was a lie too, wasn't it, Tony?

Well, what else could you expect?

The common girl of the river.

I'll get ready for your friends when they come back.

I'll deal with you later.

Hurry up with that bacon. Don't you hurry. You're not going anywhere.

I want none of your lip. Just bring that bacon over here.

Well, you sure took your time getting here. Thanks a lot. How's the boat?

It's all right, except for a bent shaft.

A bent shaft? Yeah. Well, come on, let's go. The horses are out back.

What's the matter with you? I got clipped in the leg. Can you make it? I'll try.

Come on.

How much longer?

She's got to be straight. I know that, but hurry it up.

It's no job for her, and it's mighty touchy. One kink,

and we drip the bottom out of the boat. You're stalling for time.

I'll give you another two hours.

That's all.

There you go.

Come in the back way.

I'm expecting you two. Lorimer's got the dock covered. Between the three of us,

maybe we can turn the trick. The three of us?

Where's your husband, Mrs. Winter? He won't be back till Friday.

Well, then you stay out of this.

Not a chance. I've seen that gun Lorimer's got on deck.

You need all the help you can get.

She's right, Gray. If we can get around behind that gun.

I'll get that gun if you and Mrs. Winter will cover me.

No, you don't know the setup. That gun is unbelievable.

Wait till I get behind the gun.

When I get the seat, it'll cover me.

Gray.

I don't want Rose hurt. Watch out for her.

Tony, you're sick.

I'm going to take you away from here.

Don't talk nonsense, Rose.

I don't want to kill you, Tony.

Don't make me.

Rose, you wouldn't shoot.

You couldn't.

Little people only make threats.

Tony, don't.

Give me that knife.

No, Tony, don't. Tony, don't, please. Please, Tony.

Tony, please.

Ciara was holding, he's ready, go ahead.

Y'all in one piece? Yeah, of course I am, Carney.

I gotta find Rose Train.

I tried to stop him, Ben.

You did.

You both did a fine job.

It's all over.

All over.

Thank you, Ben.

Try to miss me a little.

Sometimes.

Well, we're making pretty good time for Fort Davis.

Yeah.

How's your leg feeling?

It's all right. Tell me, Ben, you ever been awarded a medal?

No.

Why?

Well, you're probably going to get one when

we deliver Lorimer's farm tools to the army.