Ladies and gentlemen...
The overture to "Duel In The Sun."
"Duel In The Sun," two years in the making...
is a saga of Texas in the 1880's...
when primitive passions rode the raw frontier...
of an expanding nation.
Here, the forces of evil were in constant conflict...
with the deeper morality of the hearty pioneers...
and here, as in this story we tell...
a grim fate lay waiting for the transgressor...
upon the laws of God and man.
The characters in "Duel In The Sun"...
are builded out of the legends of a colorful era...
when a million acres were one man's estate...
and another man's life was held as lightly as a woman's virtue.
The character of the sinkiller...
is based upon those bogus unordained evangelists...
who preyed upon the hungry need for spiritual guidance...
and who are recognized as charlatans...
by the intelligent and God-fearing.
"Duel In The Sun. "
Deep among the lonely sun-baked hills of Texas...
the great and weather-beaten stone still stands.
The Comanches called it Squaw's Head Rock.
Time cannot change its impassive face...
nor dim the legend of the wild young lovers...
who found heaven and hell in the shadows of the rock.
For when the sun is low...
and the cold wind blows across the desert...
there are those of Indian blood...
who still speak of Pearl Chavez...
the half-breed girl from down along the border...
and of the laughing outlaw...
with whom she here kept a final rendezvous...
never to be seen again.
And this is what the legend says...
A flower known nowhere else...
grows from out of the desperate crags...
where Pearl vanished...
Pearl, who was herself a wild flower...
sprung from the hard clay, quick to blossom...
and early to die.
Pearl.
Where's your ma?
She's in there, dancing.
Like mother, like daughter.
I'm commencing to think I like the daughter better.
Let go!
You go away from me, or I'll call my pa.
That renegade Creole squaw-man?
That's a rich one.
I'll just raise you fifty, Mr. Chavez.
Would you mind?
Mind what?
That weed. I find it rather repulsive.
Pretty fancy gentleman, ain't you, Mr. Chavez?
He's not so fancy about his wife, if you ask me.
Look at her.
Quitting? Broke again?
Yes, gentlemen...
but there are greater tragedies...
that I'm sure you wouldn't understand.
Pa!
Pa, will you take me in the Presidio?
I ain't never been in there and...
And you never should be.
What are you doing out here at this hour anyway?
I was just dancing.
I've told your mother repeatedly...
this street is no place for a girl your age.
I didn't mean no harm.
It's my fault, child, not yours.
The sins of the fathers.
Go home now, dear.
I'll be back in a little while.
Don't! Stop!
No, Chavez! Don't!
Don't! Don't! I beg you! Don't!
Pa!
I plead no mitigating circumstances.
They deserved to die, as I deserve to die.
For I long since killed a person...
much superior to either of them... myself.
I killed that person the day I gave my family's name...
to the woman who became my wife.
And since I believe...
the punishment should fit the crime...
I suggest that you hang me by the neck until I am dead.
It's from Laura Belle.
Did I ever tell you about her?
She's my second cousin.
Yes, Laura Belle is my second cousin...
but she was more than that to me.
You see, once upon a time, in a different age...
in a different age and such a different world...
I was in love.
And wonderful to believe, the lady was in love with me.
You mustn't look at me as though that were impossible.
I was quite the looker in my day and very dashing.
Perhaps a bit too dashing.
And that's why this very wonderful girl...
who might have been your mother, decided on security...
and gave herself in wedlock to a wealthy yankee.
Better make it fast, Chavez.
You've only got five minutes left.
No! No!
They can't.
They can't. I won't let them.
Better that it end.
Really it is.
Your mother and I can't hurt you any longer.
Laura Belle wants my little girl to go to her.
Yes, just a few more weeks...
and at last, you'll have a home...
the mother you should have had.
No, you mustn't leave me. You mustn't.
You've been a good child.
Through some miracle, you're good...
and you're decent, and you're strong.
And now you must prove that you are strong.
You will do that for me, won't you, darling?
No tears, no grief...
now or later.
Here. Keep this scarf.
Wear it sometimes.
Get her out of here, Chavez.
Listen to me, darling. We've very little time.
I want you to lean on Laura Belle...
make her your inspiration and your guide.
And then one day, you'll be the great lady...
I've always wanted you to be.
Promise me that.
I promise.
Cross your heart?
Cross my heart.
She'll love you. I know she will.
And you must give her all the love you've had for me.
Smile for me.
Now, now. Head high.
Strong.
Very strong.
All threats of hell and hopes of paradise...
one thing at least is certain...
this life flies.
One thing is certain, and the rest is lies.
The flower that once has bloomed forever dies.
Ready, Chavez?
Quite ready, sheriff.
Whoa!
I beg your pardon.
You can't be... What's your name?
None of your business.
Sorry.
I really am sorry. I wonder if I could...
I don't talk to no strangers.
That's a good rule generally, I grant you, but...
in this case, it...
Come on.
Won't you answer just one question?
What is it?
Did you see a little southern tot...
on the Guadalupe coach?
No.
Are you sure? She was traveling alone.
You said "one question. "
I know, but it doesn't seem unreasonable if you...
Now you go away and leave me alone.
I know all about men like you.
Well...
Good morning.
Why couldn't they have been a little more explicit...
about just which coach they were sending her on?
Don't worry, Jesse.
I'll drive her out to the ranch whenever she shows up.
Thanks, Lem. You can't miss her.
She's one of those...
well-brought-up southern children.
Probably be hungry and crying her eyes out.
I'll give her some milk and blow her nose for her.
Thanks again.
And... so long!
So long.
Give my regards to the old man.
I will.
Say hello to Laura Belle for me.
Wait!
Wait! Do you know somebody named Laura Belle?
I said, do you know somebody named Laura Belle?
None of your business.
It is my business.
I don't talk to no strangers.
You can answer one question, can't you?
That won't hurt you none.
All right, one question. But remember, just one.
I know all about girls like you.
Don't you dare say that.
Pearl.
How'd you know my name?
If you hadn't been so uppity...
I'd have known who you were a long time ago.
Now come on. Get in.
Who are you?
My mother couldn't come to meet you...
so I came in her place.
I'm Laura Belle's son... the older one, Jesse.
There.
I'm sorry about not recognizing you.
I guess your clothes sort of fooled me.
Don't misunderstand me. I think they're beautiful.
You do?
Yes, and very unusual. But you know...
I think I'd like to see you in brighter colors.
Like green? I have a green blouse.
- Green, blue, yellow maybe. - Yellow?
I have a real pretty yellow one right here.
- I'll put it on now. - Not now.
Save it for tomorrow.
Here's where the ranch starts.
There's the marker... the Spanish Bit...
a million acres of McCanles empire.
Empire? Isn't this still Texas?
Yes, but the Senator doesn't always acknowledge that. Look.
He puts his seal of ownership on everything.
It's on his sons, too, I suppose.
In fact, I'm sure my brother Lewt and I...
are the Senator's favorite property.
Is your brother as nice as you are?
Girls in town think he's nicer.
- Hiya, Jesse. - Howdy, Jake.
Fine foals.
Is that your house?
That is the residence
of Jackson Tilt McCanles and family.
And on to the fortress... and happiness.
Jesse! Pearl!
Here you are.
Prettiest girl ever to set foot on Spanish Bit.
Pearl, dear.
I'm so glad you've come to us, darling.
Here, let me look at you.
Yes, you're Scott's daughter.
And now you're ours.
You're just like he said.
I'm afraid I'm somewhat different than he remembered.
But come, dear.
Did you take good care of her, Jesse?
I showed her all the points of interest.
- He did. He's nice. - I think so, too.
You southern belles are all alike.
Where in holleration you been all day?
I just went down to Paradise Flats.
- Senator, this is Pearl. - Who?
Pearl Chavez, our cousin.
You remember. We invited her to come and stay with us.
Don't be scared. You're not a trespasser.
She's no cousin of mine.
She's Scott Chavez's daughter, ain't she?
Yes, of course she is.
Why don't you say so?
Girl, what are you doing in that getup?
Is that the latest fashion...
with them aristocratic cousins of yours?
Or is it what they're wearing this season in wigwams?
Come on, boy. We got to talk business.
See you later, Pearl.
Come, dear. I'll take you to your room.
He don't want me here.
You mustn't mind the Senator. He doesn't mean anything by it.
It's his way ever since...
ever since his accident.
Accident?
It's a long story...
and, I'm afraid, not a very pleasant one.
I wish we had a better room for you...
but later on, we'll speak to the Senator.
Lewton, dear.
This is Pearl. My youngest son... Lewton.
Pleased to meet you, Lewton.
Pleased to meet you...
Pearl.
Come, Pearl.
You and Lewton will have plenty of time later on...
to get to know one another.
I'm sure we will.
Yay... boy.
Sounds of the rude world
Heard in the day
Lulled by the moonlight
Have all passed away
Beautiful dreamer
Queen of my song
List' while I woo thee...
Where will I put your medicine, Mrs. McCanles?
Leave it on the table.
Mrs. McCanles, can I get married?
But, Vashti, whom do you want to marry?
Nobody in particular, ma'am.
I just thought I'd kind of like to get married.
Of course, Vashti.
You may marry whenever you wish.
Thank you, ma'am.
Do you know anybody...
who would be nice for me to marry?
No, I don't, but I'll think about it.
Thank you, ma'am.
There's no particular hurry.
That Vashti.
I'm afraid I'll never be able to train her properly.
And as to marriage...
Sit down.
I'm glad your father sent you to me.
All you have to do is behave like a lady.
Not that Scott Chavez's daughter...
could ever be anything but a lady.
I'm a good girl, ma'am.
Of course you are, dear, but you see...
you'll be the only young girl at Spanish Bit.
No one could blame you...
if your head were turned a little.
You take Lewton, for instance.
He's such an attractive boy.
I think Jesse's much nicer.
But you scarcely know Lewton.
Of course, he's a bit undisciplined...
but perhaps that's what gives westerners their charm.
The Senator was like that.
That's why, when your father...
Jesse always chides me for talking about the past.
I hope Jesse likes me.
We're going to lose him someday.
I've known that ever since he came back from law school.
I've been so selfish.
He'd have gone long ago if it weren't for me.
My firstborn... he's so good.
He's made such a difference in my life.
- Ma'am? - Yes, Pearl?
I'll be a good girl.
I promise I will.
I want to be like you.
That's what my father wanted.
I'm afraid neither your father nor I...
found happiness, child.
I hope you will.
Come, child.
This is no way to begin.
Do you know this waltz?
Will you stop that infernal instrument!
King me, Senator.
I always figured when I moved into my own quarters...
I'd be rid of that noise.
I guess that's it, Senator.
I think I'll take me a little stroll.
Now we got that papoose to put up with.
I don't know.
She looks like a pretty cute tamale to me.
You think so? Wouldn't appeal to me none.
Of course, I always liked my women more...
Say, Senator.
Yeah, Lewt?
You know that last trip I took up to Abilene?
Yeah.
I was driving the herd all day and kind of tired...
and felt like getting some relaxation.
Yeah. Didn't happen to drop into a place...
called the Last Chance, did you?
How did you find that out?
Sent them a check for 1,600 just yesterday.
That's how I found out.
I guess I had a few drinks too many.
That's all right.
A fella's got to sow some wild oats sometime.
What's the money for?
Senator...
I hope someday I'll be like you.
The only thing I don't like about you...
is the miserable way you play poker.
Trying to fill inside straights is a sucker's game.
Go on, boy. Go on. Run along.
What a boy.
How'd they come to name you Pearl?
I don't know, sir.
Couldn't have had much eye for color, could they?
They might better have called you Pocahontas or Minnehaha.
Ain't that right?
I guess so.
All right, Minne, on your way.
Good night, sir.
Minne... ha ha.
Ha ha.
Hello, Pearl. What's the matter?
Are you unhappy? Don't you like Spanish Bit?
If everybody was like you.
If everybody was like me, the world would be...
a terribly frustrated sort of place.
What do you mean?
Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about.
I want to learn. Will you learn me?
Your ma says you're a lawyer.
I want to be a lady and know everything, like her.
I wonder if learning ever made mother any happier.
- I wish I could do that. - What?
Make rings like that. Can I try? Let me try.
No, Pearl. Now whoa.
Ladies aren't supposed to smoke.
Now you won't want to learn me things, will you?
You don't like me no more, do you?
Of course I do.
I'm afraid a lot of men will want to learn you things.
I think you better go to bed...
like a good little girl.
We'll discuss your education another time.
All right.
Good night, Pearl.
Good night, Jesse.
Good night.
What do you want?
I hate you!
Don't you pretend nobody ever did that before.
They didn't. Nobody did. Nobody's going to.
You little...
You leave that alone!
I reckon he must be the white half.
I forgot to say good night, ma'am.
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
That ain't no ham, Miss Pearl. That's a pig.
Same thing.
But Mrs. McCanles, she's very particular...
and she don't want no big pig listed like no little ham.
Here. Maybe you better make the list, Vashti.
No, ma'am. I can't write.
Mrs. McCanles says to me once, "Vashti, can you write?"
And I says, "Mrs. McCanles... "
Vashti.
Mrs. McCanles says to me once, "Vashti, can you write?"
And I says, "Mrs. McCanles... "
Vashti!
Mrs. McCanles says...
Vashti!
That's Mr. Lewt. I think he wants to see me.
Vashti, where are you?
I'm scared of that Mr. Lewt.
He says to me once, "Vashti, you're empty-headed. "
Vashti!
Tell Miss Pearl to come out here.
Miss Pearl...
I heard him. Tell him I'm busy.
Why don't you tell him...
and I'll just run along up to the house?
All right, I'll tell him.
What do you want?
Thought you might like to see some tricks.
Watch this.
That's a good boy.
Hey, Lewt.
What do you want?
I thought you were supposed to be on the round-up today.
And suppose you tend to your mortgages...
and stop sticking your nose in my business.
Just as one civilized man to another, I...
if that isn't insulting you...
I have a little suggestion to make.
All right. Let's have it.
Why don't you leave this one alone?
She may do very nicely if given half a chance.
What's the matter, judge?
You got her earmarked for yourself?
Hey, Pearl.
Come on, Dice. Push.
Whoa.
Give me a good push.
Whoa, boy. I want you to meet a lady.
Now bow for the lady, Dice.
He's right smart.
What do you think of my new girl, Dice?
Oh? Maybe not.
Did you teach him all that?
All that and lots more.
He'll turn on a dime and give you change.
- Do you want to try him? - Me ride him?
You're just having fun with me.
Or can't you ride bareback?
- Of course I can. - Let me see you.
I could show you, but I got work to do.
Of course, if you don't dare, I don't give a doggone.
Yeah?
Get off him.
Sure enough. He won't throw you.
He's smooth as cream.
Come on!
Now git!
Open the gate!
You all right?
That was a fool thing to say.
You never rode bareback before in your life.
I never said I had.
Is she hurt, Lewt?
No. Get out of here.
Can we do anything?
Go on and mosey, will you?
Sure.
You got gumption, but you ain't got no sense.
If you'd only let me start him right...
instead of scaring him that way.
It wasn't him that was scared.
He won't throw me next time.
You better stick to buggy-riding.
Maybe him and me ain't your style.
Ain't no maybe about you.
I wish you'd let me ride him some more.
Sure.
How'd you like me to give him to you?
You mean for keeps? You're not just teasing?
No. I guess you'd rather have Jesse...
pick you out a riding horse...
even if he don't know the difference...
between a pinto and a strawberry roan.
I like this one.
And you like me, don't you, honey?
You won't throw me no more.
All right. He's yours.
Let's you and me ride down to the sump after supper, huh?
Where's that?
A shady place over by Hidden Canyon.
The water's good and deep now, almost over your head.
You mean go swimming... together?
I'll bring along my guitar, play us some music.
You got a nerve.
The moon will be pretty near full.
You didn't buy me, just giving me a horse.
I'll be waiting for you after supper out by the bell.
I won't go.
I won't!
Listen to this for poppycock.
"And the benefits to be derived...
"by the small ranchers from the new railroad...
"are too numerous to need recounting here. "
"Small ranchers. "
Ignorant, nasty, spoiling the open range...
with their measly fences.
And say, Jesse. I should have told you before.
Them surveyors had the gall...
to come traipsing over Spanish Bit...
with them infernal spyglasses of theirs.
I almost fired that new foreman Ken...
for letting them on the place.
Shouldn't have done that, Senator.
Why not?
Because it wasn't Ken who let them on the place.
Nobody else would have had the nerve.
I was the one that told them they could do it.
- Have you gone plumb crazy? - I don't think so.
I thought it might be a good idea to cooperate...
and have the tracks where they'd do the most good.
Good? What do you mean good?
It's getting rather cool, don't you think?
For one thing...
the railroad will bring new people, a school.
Paradise Flats will become a real town instead of...
And that same railway will ship...
a lot of emigrants from up north down here...
and they'll start in voting and putting in taxes.
It's your ranch.
I was just trying to be helpful.
Spanish Bit's going to belong to you someday...
you and Lewt.
So I don't see why you don't...
Senator, I know you mean well for me.
You've always been generous to us.
Maybe Lewt and I would be closer to what you wanted us to be...
if you hadn't been so generous.
What's wrong with Lewt?
Nothing at all that you'd object to.
That's not the point. I'm the one who's the maverick.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I'd like one McCanles to give something to this state...
and not just take from it.
Good night, sir.
Your son, ma'am?
Yes, Senator.
Who's there?
Is that you, Jesse?
Hello, Pearl. Nice night. Want to take a little walk?
It's kind of late. I think I'd better go...
Where were you going when I...
Got to get me somebody to love
I...
I guess that's Lewt.
Certainly is Lewt. He's the best serenader...
this side of the Rio Grande.
I don't care if he is. Him and his old guitar.
Just because he gave me a horse.
I know why, too. He can't fool me none.
That's a horse on Lewt, isn't it?
I didn't really want to meet him.
Honest, I didn't.
It was just that I was kind of lonesome and...
I know.
Do you still want me to take that walk with you?
I don't know why not.
Lewt can supply the charming musical background.
Got to get me somebody to love
I'll be...
Thanks, Lewt.
You're a better wrangler than all of them.
Sid, see that chestnut over there?
She looks lame. Take her out to pasture.
Sure.
It's hotter than a stove lid.
Sure wish we was over at the sump right now.
And somebody else figures the same way, I reckon.
Looks like she's heading for a cool-off.
- I'll see you later. - Where are you going, boss?
- I got business. - That lucky stiff.
I wish I was a McCanles.
Good afternoon.
How's that water? As cool as it looks?
You go away from here.
- Care for a swimming lesson? - No.
What if I just stay around, keep you company?
Don't you dare.
I'm sorry, honey. I can't hear a word you say.
Move over.
You can't come in here.
Just act like I'm not even here.
Act like we never even met.
You disappointed?
If you ain't the lowest, dirtiest, meanest...
Come on out. I ain't stopping you.
I can't, with you there.
Wait till it's plumb dark, for all I care.
Let go! Let me down!
Making me late for supper just to be mean!
What will your ma think?
If you hadn't been so doggone scared I'd see something...
you'd have been home a long time ago.
Little tiger cat.
Evening, Pearl. Have a good swim?
Let me through!
Am I too late for supper?
I mean, is everybody finished?
Mrs. McCanles say anything?
Yes, ma'am. She said, "Where's Miss Pearl?"
And I said, "I don't know, Mrs. McCanles. "
And she said, "Where's Mr. Lewton?"
And I said, "I don't know, ma'am. "
And she said, "Well... "
Pearl, dearest.
I was so worried about you.
Sorry, ma'am.
What happened?
I went riding.
With Lewton?
Vashti, get Miss Pearl some supper.
Yes, ma'am.
The Senator's got rules about supper.
He says to me, "Don't you ever... "
- Vashti. - Yes, ma'am.
Did you go riding with Lewton?
No, ma'am...
I didn't go riding with Lewton.
He wasn't here for supper either.
He's coming.
But he wasn't with you?
We just happened to meet up.
I see. But why is your hair wet?
I was down to the sump.
You went in swimming?
Yes, ma'am.
With Lewton?
No, ma'am.
I didn't, ma'am. Honest, I didn't.
I didn't, ma'am.
All right, Pearl. I...
Evening, ma.
Good evening, Lewton.
Sorry to be late. We were down to the sump.
I think I'll take a ride over to El Paso tomorrow...
and get me a little fun and relaxation.
Anything I can bring you, ma?
No, thank you.
Pearl, I think I'll try to get you one...
of them newfangled bathing suits.
She swims real well, ma. Where'd you learn?
Oh, my dear!
You... you varmint!
What you getting your bristles up about?
Giddy!
Miss Pearl, wake up.
What is it?
What's the matter?
Well...
What time is it?
It must have been about 9:00...
when Mrs. McCanles says to me, "Vashti...
"when Mr. Jubal Crabby gets here... "
What is it? Who's Mr. Crabby?
Why did you wake me up?
I almost forgot.
Mrs. McCanles wants to see you up in the sitting room.
Maybe you better hurry. She's been a-waiting.
I didn't know where you was...
so I said, "I'll go see Mr. Lewton. "
And he said...
Why are you so slow?
I don't rightly know...
exceptin' I always have so much to remember.
This is the child, Jubal.
Of course, she isn't dressed quite properly, but...
Close the door, Pearl.
This is Mr. Crabby.
We have no minister in these parts, but...
A man doesn't have to wear the cloth to be a sinkiller.
I know that. That's why I was so anxious...
to have you talk to the child.
Come here, girl.
You call her a child?
Under that heathen blanket...
there's a full-blossomed woman...
built by the devil to drive men crazy!
You mustn't frighten her.
I'm sure she only needs a little guidance.
Guidance she needs, and guidance she'll get...
or I ain't been the sinkiller...
from here to El Paso for thirty years.
Sit down, girl.
You could be a woman of sin or a woman of God.
Which is it to be?
I want to be a good girl.
Then remember that the devil's always able to hog-tie you.
Sometimes he comes ghosting over the plains...
in the shape of a sneaking rustler...
and sometimes... begging your pardon, Laura Belle...
he stakes out the home...
to the worthy and the God-fearing.
You're curved in the flesh of temptation.
Resisting is gonna be a darn sight harder for you...
than for females protected by the shape of sows.
Yes, sirree, bob, you've got to sweeten yourself with prayer.
Pray till you sweat...
and you'll save yourself eternal hellfire.
- Do you understand me, girl? - Yes, sir.
Then on your knees.
Now I'm gonna start you toward salvation.
O Lord, look upon this, thy creature.
She's a weak vessel and a pauper, as thou knowest.
But she wants to be thy handmaiden.
Give her the horse sense not to go wandering off...
in the tulies with worthless cowpokes.
Amen.
Rise, girl.
Here. I want you to take this.
It's a hallowed medal, and a good one.
I took it off a thieving card sharper...
but first I shrived him...
and sent him to the pearly gates...
as nice and pretty as any from his own faith could have done.
You wear it, girl.
Thank you, sir.
Part Indian, ain't you?
Those ancestors of yours will be spinning like tops...
when they know you got this on.
Just the same, it'll keep you...
sweet and clean as the first milking.
Won't get you into heaven...
but it will comfort you on the way there.
That is, if you use it right.
Laura Belle, don't you think...
we ought to be saying a few words of prayer...
for them worthless cowpokes?
I got a feeling they'll be needing...
consolation.
On your knees again, girl.
O Lord, have mercy on all men, young and old alike...
who gaze upon this, thy regained servant.
Amen.
Senator! Where's the Senator?
What's up?
- Senator McCanles! - What's the stampede?
There's a great big railway gang down close to the east fence.
How close?
They say they're coming across Spanish Bit line this afternoon.
- What will we do? - Get ahold of Lewt and Jesse.
Lewt's not back from El Paso.
Holleration. I guess Jesse and me...
can handle it all right.
- Sid. - Yes, Senator?
Listen carefully now.
Sound every bell from here to Blue Hills ranch.
I want every wrangler, every cowhand...
every man and boy on Spanish Bit...
down there at the east fence, and I want them there fast.
- Yes, sir. - And Sid.
- Yes, sir? - I want them there armed.
You betcha.
I don't like this, Mr. Langford.
It's your railroad, and it's your headache...
but I still don't like it.
What do you mean, you don't like it?
You told me we were legally in the clear, didn't you?
Yeah, and I know you asked the army for help, too.
And I hope they don't come. And I hope we don't need them.
What do you mean?
I mean Jackson McCanles don't scare so easy.
We roamed the plains together. We fought at Vicksburg together.
And if he gives up in this fight...
he ain't the man I've known for fifty years.
I wish you wouldn't try to ride, father.
You think I'm going to sit in this house...
like some old woman? Lift me on that horse.
If they want war, they can have it.
- Ken. - Yes, sir?
Strap me on here.
Come on.
I aim to defend Spanish Bit with lead.
If there's any yellow-bellies among you, get out now.
Are you with me?
All right, then. Spread out in a line...
from the west marker to Pinto Point.
Come on!
Kind of thought he wouldn't take this lying down.
Looks like they mean business.
Smoot!
Lem Smoot, I thought you had more sense than this.
Yeah? Since when did you ever know me to dodge a fight?
You know I'm lawyer for the railroad...
Never mind that stuff. Who's the dude?
Langford is the high mucky-muck on the railway.
Heard a lot about you, Senator. Glad to make your acquaintance.
Can't say the same, thank you kindly.
You better tell those hired thieves of yours...
to pick up their tools...
and fast, if you know what's good for you.
We have the law on our side.
If you had come into court when I asked you to...
this land might not have been...
Never mind that fancy legal talk.
There's my law right there.
Have you a copy of the writ with you, Smoot?
What's the sense of...
All right. Are you our lawyer, or aren't you?
- Now read it to him. - Save your breath.
"From the people of the sovereign state of Texas...
"to Jackson Tilt McCanles, greetings. "
"Greetings. " Ain't that nice?
Jackson.
You and I fought to build this state of Texas...
and I aim to see these men perform their duties...
peacefully and as authorized.
Is that so?
I'm gonna shoot any trespasser that comes on my property.
If you don't like that, you can lump it...
you and the state of Texas.
Just a minute. May I speak to you privately?
Say what you got to say right here and now.
I'm sorry, father...
but I'm afraid you're in the wrong.
I ain't aiming to let you settle that.
You mean to shoot down unarmed men?
Just like they was rattlesnakes if they cross this line.
In that case, Senator...
Get me a pair of wire cutters.
Ferguson.
So that's where you stand.
Think I'd rather be on the side...
of the victims than of the murderers.
Jesse, I'm warning you.
We're going to fire on those coolies...
the moment you cut those wires.
Their blood will be on your hands.
Jesse, I'm asking you for the last time.
Column left. Ho!
Thank God.
Column left. Ho!
Right front into lines. Ho!
I once fought for that flag.
I'll not fire on it.
Sid, tell those men to get back to their work.
Yes, sir.
Father, I...
Get out of my sight...
and stay away from Spanish Bit as long as I live.
Whoa, General! Hey! Whoa, boy!
Get me out of here! Hey, get me out of here!
Get me out of this!
Unbuckle him!
Are you all right, father?
Leave me be, you Judas.
Here.
Fours left, column left.
Gallop. Ho!