(male narrator) With the decline of the once powerful Indian nations
a new frontier began to move it's way westward.
Spurred on by the liberal land-grant laws of the 1887
men of all descriptions fought their way across
the great rivers of Missouri, the endless plains of Kansas
out into the new found territories. And a mile of land
could be measured by the graze of those who died to win it.
Soon the branding iron became the only law
west of El Dorado. Few argued with it.
Those who did were called Nesters.
The cattlemans' hated word for the homesteaders
who spear-headed the drive across this power-flung empire.
The war of fence and iron had begun.
Asking no quarter. Giving none.
The progress of the nation was expanding westward.
But of this, the cattleman knew little. And cared less.
His empire was in danger.
And once again, he would fight to save it.
[cow lowing]
[soft music]
- Where you headin'? - Blackwell.
You folks look like settlers.
That's right.
Won a lot of land in the north valley.
- Where you come from? - Illinois.
Other wagons may have been comin' in from Indiana.
- You know Blackwell? - I've been there.
- Hey, mind if I ride along? - You're more than welcome.
Lot of land up ahead. Might get in on it.
Thanks. But I think you'll find it's already over crowded.
[music continues]
- Good morning, Mr. Stanton. - Good morning.
- Hello, Furman. - 'Oh, hello.'
Cox is back in town.
He sold 40 sections of our land to people
in Indiana and Illinois.
There are two-wagon trains already on the way.
What do you think about Mike McCall?
- Nothing. - Nothing?
Why do you think we brought you in on this deal?
You said, you could handle McCall.
You said, you could force him to open up
Spirit Lake and supply water for the whole valley.
No one can force Mike McCall to do anything.
We'll see about that.
We sold that land and the land's no good without water.
I'm not gonna stand by and see Mike McCall
and his cattle empire ruin this deal.
I've done all I can do.
Look, Furman.
There's a quarter of a mile of street out there.
'If we get water for these people, they'll settle here.'
Before you know, there'll be five storied buildings
all along main street.
And don't forget...we own every inch of it.
[door opening]
Everything all set?
Furman didn't make a deal with Mike McCall for the water.
What?
I can't force him to do anything, he's against.
You know Mike well enough for that.
Foreclose on him. That'll make him change his mind.
Foreclose, in this town? With no law but a local sheriff?
The first wagon train of settlers is 24 hours
out of Blackwell right now.
- They'll tear this town apart. - Yes.
And they'll string me up to the first tree they can find.
But I'm not in this alone. And you both know it.
Now, let's not lose our heads. This can be straightened out.
Now, let's go outside and cool off.
What are we going to do?
Without Furman we can never get to McCall.
Go buy yourself a drink. I'll handle Furman.
- Sure was a long halt. - Sure was.
Oh, hello, Ed. Thought you were way ahead of us.
I was. I've been there and back.
- How'd things look? - Not so good.
It's as dry as that.
- 'Sure it was the right land?' - 'Yeah, it's all staked out.'
- 'Bone dry.' - No water?
Sure, there's water. There's a lake.
A cattleman owns it by the name of McCall.
Cox promises plenty of water. Maybe he's made a deal.
Well, don't you bet on it. I found out somethin' else.
The North Valley is McCall's grazing land.
- Sure don't sound good. - No it don't.
- Hey, Dawson. - Yes?
'Ed says the valley's gone dry.'
We're just talkin' about it.
How about it, John? Is Cox gonna come through for us?
We'll know about that tomorrow.
You look like you ride quite a bit.
- Know this country pretty well? - Yeah.
What about it, cowboy? Could a man farm here?
He could, yes.
You don't sound very definite. What do you mean?
Some years ago, a cattleman came out here
with nothin' but two kids and confederate dollar.
Built an empire.
'Folks around here have kinda gotten used to it.'
- That would be McCall. - That's right.
Maybe you better move on west. This is cow country.
[bleating]
Oh.
- Well. - Well?
Now, get it up there.
Eh, that's fine.
Hello, Mr. Dawson. Mr. Morsby. Royal. Wallace.
Well, I hope you folks had a good journey.
There's somethin' I wanna talk to you about, Mr. Cox.
Why, certainly. What is it?
One of our men rode off to the North Valley yesterday.
He says, it's dry as a bone out there. What about that?
Sure, it's dry as a bone right now. But it won't be for long.
The government took a long time opening up this land.
And we've run into a little trouble with our water problem.
But I promised you folks water.
- And you're gonna have it. - Well, how do we know that?
Mr. Dawson...you people have trusted me until now--
We've already come a long way on a promise, dad.
We can't go back now.
Alright, Cox. It had better work out the way you say.
Oh, it will.
Yeah, hold everything.
Charles. B. Cottwood. Architect. At your service.
- What's the 'B' for? - Uh, Bourbon.
Oh, and where is the lumber and the nails?
I'm ready to start building.
We have all that right here waitin' for you.
'Alright, folks. Let's go out and take a look at that land.'
[gun firing]
Who's givin' us benefit?
I am.
You don't look too generous. Who's it for?
In this case, the Dawsons.
They bought this land and they're taking possession.
Yeah?
You better get 'em over here. I wanna talk to 'em.
(Connie) 'Who wants 'em?'
- Who is this man? - Mike McCall.
Should I smile sweetly or do I just bow?
Do as you please. I reckon you will, anyway.
What do you want, McCall?
- 'You Dawson?' - That's right.
I wanna give you some advice.
This is grazing land. It's gonna stay that way.
You don't like it, get Cox to fill in the details for you.
This is my land.
I bought it. And I'm going to fence it.
Dawson, I ride this way to town. I make that ride twice a day.
Habit stays up a lot longer than fences.
[metal clanging]
Mr. Cox, what's this all about?
For a McCall, you can expect that kind of thing.
He's been riding rough-shot over the whole country
for a long time now.
Some day he's gonna go too far.
Well, this is far enough for me.
Now, wait a minute. He's bluffing.
He's got his back to the wall.
He's trying to get the best deal for his water rights.
He knows the law's on your side.
And just who is the law around here?
Well, he's a local sheriff. And a great friend of McCall.
Oh, fine. We can sure count on him.
No, thanks.
Honey.
It's alright, dad. I'm going into town.
[horse neighing]
- How are you, Mike? - Howdy, Aaron.
Just going up to see Steve.
Having trouble?
- Nothin' I can't handle. - Well, it's fine.
There's a lot of folks movin' in here
with a lot of ideas of their own.
Now, you can't blame these settlers for comin' West.
That depends on where they settle.
Maybe.
But they've as much right to this country as your dad did
when he first came out here.
That's funny talk comin' from you.
Mike, this is the way I see it.
They're gonna keep coming.
And you and me and all the range laws
in the world is not gonna stop 'em.
So?
My advice is just take it easy, Mike.
See you at dinner.
Oh, you better polish that thing up.
Can't see it for more than a mile.
- Ah, you're late. - I had a little trouble.
- Mind if I wash up? - Over there.
- Trouble? - Nesters.
Stringin' fences all over the North Valley.
Well, cant say we didn't see it coming.
Sign says, you're a lawyer.
Oh, and my secret has been discovered.
My name's Dawson. I can get along nicely without your humor.
Oh, well. In that event I'll withdraw it.
What can I do for you, Ms. Dawson?
'There's a cattleman starting trouble on my land.'
- 'How can I stop him?' - You can't.
I see, you too have met.
We bought that land. What right has he got to interfere?
Don't let this surprise you, Dawson.
But out here your bill doesn't mean much.
Ms. Dawson.
Well?
Well, you put me in a spot, Ms. Dawson. See, I can't--
Just what I thought.
Why don't you pack up and go on back home?
You'll just make a lot of trouble.
That'd suit you just fine, wouldn't it?
I don't know. A man gets tired lookin' at cattle all day.
I'm surprised you know the difference, McCall.
Mr. McCall. And it's easy. You haven't got any horns.
Maybe, there's nothin' we can do.
But you're not puttin' us off that land.
Look at me when I talk to you.
Okay, come up here where I can see ya.
[door slamming]
[giggling]
I don't think she likes me.
And with good reason. She's right.
She's what?
It's no good fooling yourself, Mike. That's the way it is.
I don't see it that way.
This is cattle country and it always has been.
Well, politicians in Washington aren't Cattlemen.
They need votes. So, they opened up a new territory.
Settlers need lands and they get together and--
That valley's bone dry.
There isn't water enough there for cattle.
Spirit Lake changed that.
Spirit Lake belongs to the McCalls.
Nobody touches that without my say-so.
Well, say it does. That doesn't get the settlers off the land.
The law is still on their side.
- To hell with the law. - Alright.
Shoot 'em off. I haven't got a good hanging case in years.
Say, Furman wants to see you. He told me to tell you.
Why? Turned him down a week ago.
Mike, how much do you owe the bank now?
Thirty thousand. Why?
Just a thought.
Notes are alright. I got twice that much in beef right now.
Well, you better go and see him.
Yeah. Talk to you later.
Okay.
[door closing]
Hello, Blake. Is T.J. here?
Yeah, go on in.
(Furman) 'Hello, Mike. Glad to see you.'
- How's banking, T.J.? - Pretty lively, thanks.
You're beef got running up to power?
Close enough, I guess. What's on your mind?
Settlers and fences.
Looks like, they're gonna wrap you up in a bundle before long.
What do you mean by that?
Mike..
...bank holds your note for $30,000.
I've got the cattle to cover it.
Why not do it my way?
Drive the cattle into market, sell 'em, let the water
go into Spirit Lake..
...bank will tear up the note.
I told you a week ago. No water. That still goes.
[door opening]
Alright, take it easy and you won't get hurt.
This'll give the town something to talk about for weeks.
All the boys would be buyin' me drinks just hear about it.
That's one of lookin' at it. Sure.
I'll be leavin' here in a minute.
Just hold the posy, savvy?
This door will be covered till we're in the clear.
[guns firing]
[firing continues]
[gun clicking]
Looks like I killed a man, Aaron.
Yeah.
Link Spain is it?
Where is his gun?
I guess, he hasn't got any.
How bad is it, T.J.? Did he clean you out?
I think so, but I can't tell yet.
Aaron, here's your horse.
I'll see you when I get back, Mike. Stick around.
I'd like it that way.
Well, I see you've stepped into the hero class.
- You wanna talk to me, Stanton? - I'm talkin' to you.
That boy you just killed was a friend of mine.
While your friends are robbin' banks
you should lose some of 'em.
Robbin' banks is your story. He wasn't packin' any guns.
I'm glad you noticed.
When a man's outta line whether he's robbin' banks
or shootin' off his mouth, he should never be without 'em.
Let's have a talk.
Not here. There's no time now.
Take time.
You're in a hole and you need somebody to pull you out.
We'll use my office.
You look like you need a change.
We'll use mine.
♪ There's an old old frog ♪
♪ Who sits and croaks in the middle of the stream ♪
♪ But tellin' me guilt ♪
♪ Tells about the days when the roses bloomed ♪
♪ And sings about the night ♪
♪ By the light of the moon ♪
♪ And further down the windin' stream ♪
♪ An old hound dog looks up to dream ♪
♪ He sees brer rabbit and he barks his song ♪
♪ But he's too lazy to chase him long ♪♪
Cowboy, wherever did you get that shirt?
It's a rotten shirt. Roper done chase you outta camp?
Ah, big brother. You do me a great injustice.
If not for me, the McCall empire would've collapsed long ago.
If not for you, I wouldn't be wearin' your shirt.
Me and Dunn, was just havin' some fun.
Fun? Next time you two get frisky and tear up my shirts
you're both gonna be runnin' around in Navajo blankets.
Come on.
Hear, you threw your weight around this afternoon.
How many settlers did you scare off?
Can't tell. What do you think?
They way they talk, they won't scare easy.
Got a feeling there'll be fences over North Valley within a week.
Maybe you think, McCall brothers ough to take up farmin'.
You might cut quite a figure, pushin' a plough.
Oh, one thing's for sure. They won't all stay.
With that place of yours, you're bound to scare somebody.
[gun firing]
What'd you do? Steal the mayor's wife or somethin'?
I killed a man.
That's nothin' to worry about, then.
[bullet ricocheting]
You going someplace?
Ever seen a man run from here to the border?
'Catch some of that lead it's not gonna slow you down.'
All depends on where I catch it.
[gun firing]
Looks like you're right. They don't scare easy.
That coyote ain't even got the decency
to let a man turn coward.
Come on, Mike. Let's take this.
I'll go down here. You get off above him.
Yeah.
[intense music]
(Connie) 'Hold it.'
- What's funny, McCall? - Mr. McCall.
[gun firing]
- Lose your sense of humor? - Looks like it.
- Where's your friend? - He took off.
You don't say.
You talk mighty big for a little girl.
Take a look at this gun. It makes me grow like a weed.
- Alright, so you're a big girl. - 'And you're on my land.'
That's somethin' we better get understood.
Take it up with the government.
When my father built this ranch, he was the government.
He gave it to me. Nothing's changed.
Well, things are gonna change.
Turn around and start walkin'.
Never backed down from a woman yet.
You're a fool.
You better make that first shot count.
You only have time for one.
'No, honey. No.'
No, you'll ruin my shirt.
Do it when he's wearin' his own clothes.
Hey, well. Hello, honey.
Oh, another cattleman.
Is that what you were doing in our camp? Spying?
- Oh, now. Wait a minute, honey. - Don't you honey me.
Oh!
You're honorary, aren't ya?
'Ow. Oww.'
If you wanna act like a man, you better learn to fight like one.
Hey, wait a minute.
Forgot your crutch.
So long, honey.
Let me show you.
Here's Spirit Lake. Black hills. And North Valley.
We know there used to be water there.
There are thousands of dried up water holes to prove it.
Ol' Pat McCall dammed the flow here, so they're backed up
into a natural basin. Spirit Lake.
And you plan to unblock it.
- How? - Dynamite.
Here...here and here.
- Sounds good. - Sure, but what's the use?
The McCalls' will never go for havin' that lake drained.
If they don't like it, let 'em carry it back in buckets.
Stanton, let's get this straight.
I don't like being in the middle.
Is this a business proposition
or are you just laying for the McCalls?
Sure it's business.
If McCall turns out missing, it might not be by accident.
[melodic music]
[music continues]
Ball just rode by.
Hear you notched your gun today, Mike.
Is that on the level? I thought you was just talkin'.
Link Spain don't think so.
- Spain's dead? - Yeah. Pretty dead.
He's actin' a little skittish, ain't he?
He's got a girl on his mind I reckon.
Hey! The next dead-blasted, half-baked cowboy that comes
snoopin' around my wagon in the middle of the night
is gonna get himself shot.
And that goes no matter what his name is.
Boys been pestering you, have they?
I'll pester them.
Roper Dunn and that kid brother of yours
raided me and ate up all my jam.
(Tim) 'Hey, Mike. Here's Ed Sanderson.'
[dramatic music]
- Hi, Ed. Any luck? - Them fellows are smart.
Had 15-20 horses waitin' for 'em in the hills.
Right after cleanin' out the bank, they rode that far.
Then swapped horses. Carryin' the Bronx every-which way.
- Where's Ball? - Out in the hills, somewhere.
What them fellas look like?
The only one I saw was a fellow that
held a gun on Furman and me.
- How about some coffee? - Alright.
- You boys stick to camp today? - Maybe I'd ask Roper.
[gunshot]
Tim!
Take him.
Get your horses.
Fan out. Cover that north slope.
Ride until I yell, "Let's stop and listen".
Here, Whiskey. Careful how you use it.
Ha!
Come on.
[gunshot]
- Who did that? - I did.
I thought I saw somebody in the brush.
There's no use going any further.
Spooky as we are, we're shootin' each other next.
Head back to camp.
[dramatic music continues]
Get my horse, Whiskey.
He's dead.
That was a crazy play, throwin' the men in the brush
and tearin' up whatever signs there was.
- Maybe you had a better idea. - Maybe.
- How do you figure this, Mike? - You guess.
While you're makin' up your mind, find Ball.
- Roper. - Yeah?
Tell Ball I'll see him in town tomorrow.
- I'm gonna look around. - Alright.
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[horse neighing]
[music continues]
(Steve) 'Good morning, Mike.'
Hiya, Steve. Wanna talk to you.
- Anytime. - I've to see Ball.
And get some coffee. Meet you at the hotel in half-an-hour.
Alright.
Hey, Aaron.
- How are you, Mike? - Did you hear about Sanderson?
Yeah.
I just brought him in.
- You look kinda tired. - I've been riding all night.
'So have I.'
- I want some coffee. - It's a good deal.
Looks like business is picking up, Charlie.
Looks like it's falling off a little, Mike.
What'll you have?
- Steak and eggs. - Just coffee.
(Connie) 'Charlie.'
Would you mind opening a window?
I think we need some fresh air in here.
Don't put yourself out.
You're not the type for it, you know.
Look, miss. There are times when a man gets tired.
Be smart if it makes you happy.
I've been riding all night. What I need right now is some quiet.
'You wanted the window open. Is there anything else?'
Here it is, Mike.
See you at your place tonight.
[door slams]
I wouldn't be too hard on him, miss.
He's used to having his own way.
Well, then, he's due for a change.
Look, Ms. Dawson. Mike didn't ask for this.
This has been cattle country for a long time.
'Now wait a minute, sheriff.'
I've heard everything you're going to tell me
from that cute brother of his.
You know, I don't think you as mad as you may sound.
What do you mean?
I think you really like him.
You're just too stubborn to admit it.
Sheriff, why don't you stick to your marshalling?
That's something you know more about.
[door slams]
[snoring]
[snoring continues]
[chuckles]
Hiya, Steve.
Wade in. The water's fine.
Sleeping in the bath tub and drawing pictures.
You know, I had a nice quiet place
that's full of fellas that's turned out just like that.
Might come in handy. Got a cigarette?
Yeah. There's one with your brand on it.
Thanks.
Ball's deputy got nailed last night.
Yeah. Just heard about it.
- Guess I was lucky. - Why?
Figured I got the wrong man.
- Figured it was for you? - Had to be.
Had him covered till I went down for a coffee pot.
Slug caught him dead center.
Did some riding last night.
Found a trail near Spirit Lake and some markings in the sand.
That's close as I can remember.
You figure the fellows that killed the deputy made this?
I don't know. Guess they could've.
Except, I don't see where Spirit Lake ties into it.
What do you mean?
Take a look at it. That center figure.
Same shape. Same everything.
If this is Spirit Lake. This could be North Valley.
And in that case, this would be the dam, huh?
That's the way I figured.
Except for that line that ties 'em together
and then crosses by the dam. What do you make of it?
It's hard to say.
That could be the settlers. The land's useless without water.
And it's gonna stay that way.
Say, what did Furman want?
Made me a proposition.
I give the settlers my water, he'll tear up my notes.
Hmm. What'd you say?
Told him to go to blazes.
Well, you still hold aces, Mike.
Never know what the next round of cards is gonna show.
- Let me think about it. - Right, Steve.
Well, you better get some sleep. You may need it.
(John) 'Honey, are you dressed?'
Almost, dad. Come on in.
Well, I see you dug out your Sunday best.
Mm-hmm.
Pretty?
You look just like your mother used to.
You know, dad, sometimes I wish we'd never left Illinois.
All this trouble and fighting all the time.
Yes.
But anything is worth having is worth fighting for.
I guess so.
You better hurry, or we're gonna miss that dance sure.
I'll hurry.
[piano music]
It's not only a pleasure, but it's a privilege
to drink with a man with such dignity.
Thank you.
And it's a novelty to find two gentlemen that can hold
their liquor so well.
Thank you.
Take it easy.
[piano music continues]
A Bourbon.
Hello, McCall.
What's this I hear about Sanderson?
- He got killed last night. - That's too bad.
You know these fellas, don't you?
Hi, everyone.
- Care to sit here? - No, thanks.
- I was looking for Ball. - Guess he's at the dance.
No. Just saw him. Said he was heading for the stable.
Thanks.
Didn't know you were a drinking man, T.J.
They clean you up?
Bank's alright. We'll get along.
May have to call in your notes though, Mike.
You have been drinking.
Well, that hold up didn't help us any.
You are the president of the bank, aren't you?
Why do you ask that?
Just wanna be sure I've been talking to the right man.
If somebody else is runnin' things, maybe I'd go see him.
[music continues]
Full house.
Looks like I hold the high hand.
Sit down.
Been thinking over my proposition?
- Save him. Get 50,000? - Cash.
Put the bank back on its feet.
Alright.
Good.
If he's still wandering around tomorrow..
...put the pressure on him.
(male #1) 'Hey.'
I got that house holed up at the plastering.
I'll get that done in here.
[music continues]
Well, honey.
If I was a gal, all you'd have to do was ask.
But you're not.
Have any luck tracking?
No. But if I'd been following you, I'd have done alright.
Could've smelled you for two miles.
Oh, now, ain't that funny.
Shiny boots and a shiny face. Going to the dance?
Sure. I'm givin' that wild cat a chance
to apologize for kicking me in the shins.
Figuring on being guest of honor?
Sure. Ain't you gonna wish me luck?
Yeah. You'll need it.
I'll let you know later.
Well, Mike. Doesn't look like you're going to dance.
It's a Nester dance.
The McCalls' might not be too welcome.
That looks like Tim. I take it he doesn't see it that way.
That's up to him.
Gonna be some nice looking girls there tonight.
Just be one that I can think of. She may wind up with Tim.
Anyway, I got somethin' to do. See ya.
[glass clanking]
[dramatic music]
Aaron?
[music intensifies]
[music continues]
[glass shattering]
[music continues]
Get him.
[gunshots]
[firing continues]
That's five. You've got one more.
Make it good. I'm comin' up.
[music intensifies]
[gunshot]
You got any more ideas, Daniels?
You better do it from there. You'll need that gun to take me.
I'll take you...my way.
[music continues]
[wooden boards rattling]
[rattling continues]
[music continues]
[panting]
[dramatic music]
Better take a look over there.
You'll need a coroner.
[rhythmic clapping accompanied by cagun music]
♪ Meet your partner meet her with a smile ♪
♪ Meet your partner and promenade a mile ♪
[indistinct]
♪ Swing on the side swing on the street ♪
[indistinct]
♪ Meet your partner and I'll live grand ♪
♪ Meet your partner in private ♪
♪ You know where I don't care ♪
♪ Take that lady to an easy chair ♪♪
[applause]
Ain't that McCall?
Yeah. What's he doing here?
I don't know. Let's find out.
Pardon me. Have you got a ticket?
We don't use tickets in this town.
Well, you need one for this dance.
Yeah.
[instrumental music]
- May I have this dance? - Certainly.
Mind?
[music continues]
Maybe we better dance.
Now, that's more like it.
Not that I want to, Mr. McCall.
It's just that I hate to see a brawl spoil a good dance.
Nervy, cousin.
Wait till after the dance.
You don't wanna see a fight, the least thing you can do is
act like you're enjoying yourself.
- How's this? - Oh, you never looked lovely.
[music continues]
I think I better take you to your horse.
Nice night.
If you're lucky you can still enjoy it.
It's too much of it for just one person.
Two people would've to go a long way
before they can see all of it.
You really think two people would?
Yes, ma'am.
Then, go show it to your horse.
Oh, now, wait a minute.
Just came here to say I was sorry for yesterday.
So am I. Sorry, I didn't break your leg.
Goodnight!
[music continues]
Hi, brother.
[donkey braying]
- Kinda like him, don't you? - Tim? Oh, dad.
But if you insist on marrying me off to a McCall
make it the tall, skinny one.
What's the rush?
Mike McCall just shot a man down at the stables.
Take him inside.
Alright, folks. That's all for the night.
- Might as well go on home. - That's all is it, sheriff?
Do you mean to say there's to be no inquest?
No enquiry into this killing?
I told you what happened. What else do you wanna know?
I'm certainly opposed to letting this cowboy gunman
this so called cattle king shoot down any man who happens
to inconvenience him. What about Spain, sheriff?
Hold it, Aaron.
Call an inquest. I'll testify.
Just give me time to get my friends in town.
Alright. I'll call an inquest for tomorrow afternoon
at four o'clock.
But get this straight. This man, Daniels, is gonna stay in jail.
Now, you ask for law. You're gonna get it.
If any of you kayos don't like it, just speak up.
Clear out.
[indistinct chattering]
You broke up a good poker game, McCall.
Looks like you dealt your boys a bad hand.
Tell me, Ball. How many holes did Shives have in his back?
You thick-headed Irishman.
That's alright, sheriff. Another time.
And there'll be another time, McCall.
See you tomorrow.
Mike, I wanna tell you something.
This town is gonna bust wide open.
You can tell it.
Just like you know it when a Norther is kicking up.
It's a small town. When it rains, everybody gets wet.
Come on. Hurry up.
[tense music]
[man singing]
Get down.
♪ Here you are so near my nose ♪
♪ Tip her up and down she goes ♪
- You think he spotted us? - No.
- He won't if you don't move. - What about Slim?
- What about him? - He's out there somewhere.
Getting the last of the dynamite.
♪ 'Tis for you my friends and foes ♪
♪ 'Tis for you I wear old clothes ♪
♪ Here you are so near my nose ♪
Hey, Stanton. Where are you?
[dramatic music]
[gunshot]
Hey, what's going on?
I thought I told you to keep quiet.
- Let's go. - When are we gonna blast it?
Later. Ditch this stuff and meet me in town.
Don't forget to cover up your tracks.
The findings of this jury are that the dead man
Lou Shives was killed by a .45 bullet fired from a gun
in the hands of Mike McCall.
The jury finds that it was self defense.
And recommends that McCall not be held.
You call that an inquest?
What do you expect from that kind of a jury?
Sheriff..
You haven't heard the end of this.
- Yeah? Why? - Because there's no proof.
I reckon you didn't hear the testimony.
Your testimony, you mean.
'By your own admission, you weren't even a witness'
'to the killing.'
What the devil are you driving at?
Just this..
Some of us believe that the killing of Shives
was not in self defense but deliberate murder.
- 'Why you--' - 'Forget it, Aaron.'
'I won't forget it.'
Suppose it had been McCall instead of Daniels.
A man has a right to save his life, hasn't he?
It doesn't give him the right to kill everyone he meets.
Well, does it?
[melancholic music]
- Tim, huh? - Yeah.
- 'How did it happen?' - 'I don't know.'
'He sure didn't see it coming. Caught him sideways'
'Found him by the lake this morning.'
(Mike McCall) 'Alright. Somebody is looking for trouble.'
'From now on, it won't be hard to find.'
If you want war, you'll get your belly full of it.
If you don't, just stay out from under foot.
[melancholic music]
After this, there's no telling what he'll do.
But I guess you can't blame him.
Maybe a word from you might help.
Going someplace?
Thought I'd take a ride, dad.
They buried the McCall boy this morning.
Yes, I know.
'Wasn't many people there.'
'None of our folks.'
'I was just thinking.'
If we're going to be neighbors, why can't we be good ones?
Maybe I'll ride up that way.
[instrumental music]
They told me back at the ranch I'd find you here.
I don't suppose you feel like talking.
Sure, go ahead.
I'm sorry about Tim.
You kinda liked him, didn't you?
You couldn't help it.
Yeah, that was his way.
Take a good look, Ms. Dawson.
'Tim and I figured someday we'd feed the whole territory.'
'We watched those herds grow and we grew with them.'
Somebody stopped Tim. Those herds are gonna keep on growing.
If anybody gets in their way, even those cows are gonna
walk right over 'em.
Dad said something a while ago that seemed to make sense.
He said that if people are going to be neighbors
they should try to be good ones.
Maybe he's right.
Ever since Tim and I were kids, I can remember something
my father told me.
"Someday, Mike", he said, "this ranch is gonna be yours."
"Yours and Tim's."
"Don't let anybody take it away from you."
Maybe someday things will be different.
Maybe.
Right now, I keep seeing Tim.
And I get all mixed up.
I think I understand.
Goodbye, Mike.
Goodbye, Connie.
[slow instrumental music]
Just got a tip, boss. There's a storm blowing in.
McCall's split up his men.
That sounds like it. Round up the boys.
Find Durant and Cox and send him up here.
Tell 'em we're gonna stampede McCall's cattle
and blow up the dam tonight.
You don't miss a bit.
You're a fish, Stanton. A rotten, cold-blooded fish.
You killed young McCall, and now you're after Mike.
And you're a sot.
Get out of here. You make me sick.
I've been checking into that money you handed over
to the bank, Stanton.
Your men staged that robbery.
That'll be hard to prove.
But if you shoot off your mouth
you'll hang a yard higher than any of us.
[piano music]
Whiskey and make it double.
- Evening, Furman. - Ah, Mr. Warrick.
Small fees with an honorable profession.
And you're richer than most.
Another one, Bill.
This time leave the bottle.
Now, get this and get it straight.
I don't want any mistakes.
Ben, you come with me. The dynamite's all taken care of.
When we set it off, McCall loses his ace in the hole
and Cox, your seppers will have all the water they need.
Do it any you like, but leave me out.
Cox, maybe we ought to get one thing settled right now.
I am fed up with your whining.
You've been playing along like a school girl
from now on that'll change.
- That's not our deal. - No?
You'll be at the lake along with the rest of us
or you can tell Maxie here your troubles.
Well, make up your mind. This business can't wait.
There's not much choice, is there?
Then that's all settled.
Maxie, McCall's cattle are on the upper mesa.
If he loses them, he's through.
- Take care of it. - How'd you want it done?
You've run cattle before.
Scare 'em and head 'em for the cliffs.
Are there any more questions?
Then that's it.
Slim.
Furman's in the bar. Get him when he comes out.
But don't make the same mistake you made with Sanderson.
Ah, goodnight, Mr. Warrick.
Looks like we're both gonna take a loss.
What do you mean, T.J.?
Everybody loses something.
With you it's a friend and a client.
With me, yeah, I've already lost mine.
Dignity, Mr. Warrick.
Let me buy you another drink, T.J.
It isn't everyday I lose a client.
No, thank you.
[piano music continues]
On second thought, I'll accept your invitation
so we can drink to his passing.
Somebody gonna die, T.J.?
Everybody dies.
Well, that's not very specific.
Two more of these and I could be eloquent.
Well, I won't waste your money. Besides, it's too late anyway.
'Tomorrow when they carry your friend to rest'
'a loss of his water and cattle will mean nothing'.
Water and cattle?
See you in church.
[gunshot]
[crowd murmuring]
(male #2) 'Is he dead?'
(male #3) 'I'm afraid so.'
- How about him? - No difference.
I wonder why he was gunning for T.J.?
No. Say he said something, uh..
He said I was going to lose a client
and the client was going to lose his water and cattle.
- Mike? - Sounds like it.
Did he say when?
He said tomorrow it'd be too late.
[cows mooing]
Say, boss, looks like rain.
Ah, might miss us. Looks like it's swinging south.
Anyway, tell the boys ride close herd tonight.
Alright.
[intense music]
Alright, you boys know what to do.
[intense music]
[cows mooing]
[music continues]
[gunfire]
[intense music]
[music continues]
Hey, where's Max?
Last I saw him he was trying to stop that herd.
Why, they're heading for the cliff.
(male #4) 'Come on, men, follow the sheriff'.
[intense music]
[gunshots]
[thudding]
[intense music]
Come on! Whoa!
[music intensifies]
[mooing]
[melancholic music]
[gunfire]
[intense music]
Hold your fire.
How is it, Aaron?
I don't feel much. How about the cattle?
- We lost them. - That's too bad.
You better get up to the lake.
I think they're gonna blow the dam.
Get him back to town.
[intense music]
Come on, come on, hurry it up.
I still don't like this.
You'll like it even less if things go wrong.
'Mr. Dawson'.
(Dawson) 'Who is it?'
Sheriff's been wounded, can we bring him in?
(Dawson) 'Why, of course.'
Take him in there.
We tried to get him to town but he just couldn't go no further.
- I'll get some bandages. - How'd it happen?
They had some trouble up the camp tonight
the herd was stampeded, all went over the cliff.
- Where's Mike? - He went up to the dam.
Somebody's trying to blow it up.
We'll need some hot water, you better start a fire.
Alright.
[intense music]
[music continues]
Hold it, McCall, hold it. I had nothing to--
[intense music]
[music continues]
Stanton.
I just left Sheriff Ball with Dad.
I'm sure he'll be alright.
That's good.
Beautiful, isn't it?
Because of it, my brother was killed.
Our cattle are gone.
That same water made you hate the name McCall.
Your people wanted water, alright.
[explosion]
There it is.
Why did you do that?
I've no use for it now.
That doesn't sound like a McCall.
The McCall's were cattlemen. Cattle are gone now.
I heard your father started with a lot less.
That was a long time ago. Things have changed.
No, they haven't.
The McCall's are part of this valley.
Nothing can ever change that.
I like the way you say that.
Come up here, where I can look at you.
Remember what happened the last time you did that?
This time I'll remember to duck.
Maybe you won't have to.