Hacksaw (1971) Movie Script

Way up in the
Canadian Rockies
Where the wind and the
furs and the cedars
And the junipers
whistles down the draw
Here in a place
you have seen
Lives a wild horse
and he's so mean
People who know and love
him call him Hacksaw
Hacksaw
Hacksaw
He's so bad he
can chew up nails
Makes his supper
on grizzly tails
Everyone who tries
to ride him fails
That's why they
call him Hacksaw
Hacksaw, keep moving, son
Stop now and
your freedom's done
They're on your trail, so
you better be on your way
Hacksaw, they'll never quit
Till you feel the
spurs and taste the bit
They'll be on your
trail till they track
you down someday
His family is all
of God's creatures
He's gentle and kind,
love is on his mind
But the devil
is in his craw
There ain't a cowpoke
can't be throwed
Ain't a horse that
can't be rode
And the feller who said that
never heard of Hacksaw
Hacksaw
Hacksaw
He's so bad he
could chew up nails
Makes his supper
on grizzly tails
Everyone who tries
to ride him fails
That's why they
call him Hacksaw
Them cowboys
come out of the city
Up and down the slopes,
high hopes, long ropes
gonna catch that old outlaw
Well he tried and tried
but it were no use
He led them a chase
like the old wild goose
And all he caught was
a fading glimpse of Hacksaw
Hacksaw, keep moving, son
Stop now and
your freedom's done
They're on your trail so
you better be on your way
Hacksaw, they'll never quit
Till you feel the
spurs and taste the bit
They'll be on your
trail till they track
you down someday
They'll be on your
trail till they track
you down someday
RANCHER: And they
did stay on his trail.
If they hadn't, this whole
story might not have happened.
Now, this is my spread just
outside of Calgary, Canada.
I'm a chuck wagon man.
Racing these wagons
has been my whole life.
My hands and arms
are getting too old
for this game
but my heart and spirit'll
be in chuck wagon racing
just as long as I'll live.
The only thing is that
Tim Andrews will be
holding the lines.
Whoa.
Tim, this is getting a little
rough for me. How
about you takin' over?
You bet.
You got 'em.
(HORSES SNORTING)
(CHUCKLES)
Okay, take 'em away.
Hyah!
Now, that's a four-up
racing team.
I had the wagon and
three good horses but
I needed a leader.
And that's where
Hacksaw will come in.
He's a near-side lead horse.
The one that spells
success or failure for
the whole darn team.
Hacksaw would still be running
free if it hadn't been for
this young flying
cowboy named Tim Andrews.
And even with all of
Tim's horse-savvy,
he needed help of a dude gal
who just happened to be on
a fishing vacation
with her father.
About how much longer before
we get to your pack station?
Oh, another half hour
should put us in
the camp, Mr. Curtis.
That's great.
You see those
specks down there?
Hang on. I'll give
you the 50 cent tour.
You better get
your camera ready.
(NEIGHS)
I got it, I got it.
What a shot. That's
the most beautiful
horse I've ever seen.
You mean old Hacksaw?
(CHUCKLES) I'll tell
you about him, later.
RANCHER: Tim's pack station
is nestled by a remote lake
deep in the back country.
Fishing parties and supplies
are flown in here and
then with the help of
Tim's Sarcee Indian
partner, Cascade Joe,
the guests are taken
by pack outfit to hidden
fishing streams in
the wilderness country.
Tim Andrews' roots were
deeply planted in this land.
He knew it both from
the ground and from the air.
Heya, Tim.
Hello!
Here you are.
Oh, Cascade, this
is Mr. Curtis and
his daughter, Sue.
(HORSES WHINNYING)
SUE: Hey, before you
get too comfortable,
you said when we get into
camp, you'd tell us about
that beautiful wild stallion
we saw this afternoon.
That's right I did.
Well, we call
him old Hacksaw.
He's a wild horse with the
looks of a thoroughbred
and the savvy of a mustang.
Wouldn't it be
great to catch him?
Whoa up now, kitten. This is a
fishing trip not
a wild horse hunt.
You better be thinking
about tying some of
this flies not lariats.
(SIGHS)
RANCHER: In the high
country, breakfast is
a meal that's gotta
stick to your rib.
And Leona, the camp cook
figured out just how many
miles you had to go that day
and then come up with
the right combinations.
TIM: All set?
CASCADE: All set.
Let's go get some trout.
(NEIGHS)
This country was
Tim's backyard.
But a certain brown stallion
called Hacksaw considered
it his country too.
And he kept a distant
watch on all intruders.
Now, hold up here
and check the pack
on this brown horse.
How you doin',
Mr. Curtis?
Fine.
Should be surprised how
much exercise you get
just sitting in the saddle.
You sure don't look
like what I expected of
a north woods guide.
Oh. What did you expect?
I had you pictured as this
grizzled old man with whiskers
and patched up old clothes
that smell like wet campfire.
But you're not
like that.
Disappointed?
No.
But you don't fit the picture
I already had in my mind.
How did you get
in this business?
I just grew up
in it, I guess.
Huntin', fishin',
punchin' cows.
Breakin' horses in
rodeos my whole life.
I did a hitch in
the RCAF and I learned
to fly and I liked it.
So I just figured I'd put all
those things together and
try to make a living at it.
You're all set?
Anytime, Tim.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Aha!
Now I got you, baby. Come on.
MR. CURTIS: Oh.
Ah. Now I got you, baby.
RANCHER: Now maybe there's
no such thing as love at
first sight with horses but,
whatever it was Hacksaw
sure was interested
when he scented the
presence of the beautiful
golden Twinkletoes.
(WHINNIES)
(SNORTING)
Ahh!
Looks like our Susie's
been fishing a
little too deep today.
I believe I'd switch
to a dry fly tomorrow.
I'll tell ya one thing about
her, she really tries.
You know, most people
try to reel the trout
into them, not her.
She goes right
in after 'em.
(NEIGHS)
(SNORTING)
(WHINNIES)
(HORSE WHINNYING)
Just about anybody can
outsmart a dumb old fish.
And today was
your day, dad.
But never underestimate
the power of a woman.
Tim, I got this great idea,
but I need your help.
Tim?
Hm?
Here you go.
Dad, you wouldn't mind fishing
alone tomorrow would ya?
Great with me, kitten. All you
do is scare the fish, anyway.
Salt and pepper,
please, Tim.
Hey, Tim.
Sure, here you go.
Tim, would
you listen?
I got this
great idea.
Sure what?
Come over here. I'll
tell you about it.
This is the place.
All right, now, I'll
hobble Twinkletoes
while you go and hide your
horse, somewhere out of sight.
Right, chief.
RANCHER: It took a little
doing but Sue halfway
convinced him to try her plan
and it was, uh, sort
of a female logic idea.
Now, you stay here.
Now what?
Oh, Tim could you help
me take the saddle off?
This looks like
the perfect spot.
It sure does.
TIM: Let's get started.
Well, for an outdoorsman
and a guide that's
sure not much of a trap.
Tim, that wouldn't
fool anything.
You know, most of our Canadian
wild horses haven't spent four
years at Vassar.
Now, look I've shown
a little faith in your idea.
Have a little faith in mine.
You wait here while I stash
your saddle with my stuff.
(SUE SCREAMING)
(GROANING)
(CHUCKLES)
(GROANING)
(CHUCKLING)
And now that you, uh,
now that you know how it
works, what do you think?
Well it feels
like a good trap.
(CHUCKLING)
Let me down.
Hang on.
(GASPS)
(SNORTS)
This is it.
Up here he can't hear us or
see us or catch our scent.
We've got a
grandstand view.
You know, a watched pot
never boils so let's just
relax and get comfortable, hm?
(EXHALES)
(DEEP BREATHING)
(TWIG SNAPPING)
Tim...
What?
I think I hear something.
(TREES RUSTLING)
It's Hacksaw.
It's going
to work.
Shhh.
(WHISPERING) Take it
easy. Don't spook him off.
(ROARS)
Let's get closer.
(BEAR GROWLING)
Are you crazy?
(ROARS)
(GROWLING)
(WHINNIES)
(GROWLING)
(WHINNIES)
(TWINKLETOES WHINNIES)
Oh, no.
There goes Twinkletoes.
(SNORTING)
Tim. Tim, I'm sorry.
Really sorry.
It all seemed so easy.
Now, I've lost
Twinkletoes for you.
Don't worry about
that old Palomino mare.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Hey, cheer up.
(TIM CHUCKLES MILDLY)
Hey, how am I gonna
get out of here?
Don't worry about it.
A good guide is
obligated to furnish
suitable transportation.
(GRUNTING)
Dad. I'd like to stay
over and help Tim find
Hacksaw and Twinkletoes.
Well, kitten, we sure
had a lot of fun
and it's been exciting
but I've got to get back
to New York on business.
I just can't wait over.
However that doesn't
necessarily mean that
you have to come with me.
You're a big girl now.
Kinda think you can
take care of yourself.
Would maybe, uh,
another week do it?
(CHUCKLES)
RANCHER: A week might
seem like a long time but
not when you
spread it out over
a country as big as this is.
Tim covered all the
open spots by air but
now maybe these horses
had sought out a
more secluded area.
We aren't having much luck,
you can't see anything
through those trees.
The only way you cover
this area is on horseback.
RANCHER: The search was
continued on the ground.
The three fanned out
to look for tracks.
The next day they separated
to cover even more territory.
Cascade was an
experienced tracker.
If there are any
signs, he'd find them.
He looked for meadows
with good feed.
But only the elk were here.
The search went on for
the better part of a week.
Up, down and across.
And when the wearied
three finally converged,
Tim called it quits.
Let's get back
before it gets dark.
Twinkletoes and her abductor
seemed to have been
swallowed up by the Rockies.
I ride an old Paint
and I lead an old Dan
I'm off to Montana for
to throw the hoolihan
Gonna feed in the coulees
and water in the draw
Their tails are all ma...
TIM: Don't move.
(SNORTING)
Now, listen closely.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Keep singing.
Ride along little doggies,
ride along kinda slow
The fiery and the
snuffy are rarin' to go
Roll on
Roll on
Roll on
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Little doggies
(WHISPERING) Psst.
Get out of there.
Roll on
Roll on
Roll on
(WHISPERING) Here they come.
Little doggies
I'm through
I'm through
(WHINNIES)
Done sung every
verse that I ever knew
(WHISPERING) Keep playing.
Roll on
Roll on
I'll make up some new ones
till them horses are gone
Old Hacksaw is
headed for our house
Old Hacksaw is
headed for the barn
When Hacksaw steps
into our corral
That son of a
gun will be our'n
Oh, son of a gun
I think it would be great
If Sue would get on the run
And just close that gate
(WHINNIES)
(WHINNIES)
(HACKSAW WHINNIES)
RANCHER: This stallion didn't
react like the usual
wild horse.
It was evident, he'd
been caught before.
Once that rope was on him,
he acted like a broke horse.
Plum gentle.
(WHINNIES)
Well, we got
us a horse.
Cascade, what do you say,
we tie up those mules, huh?
Yes.
He's already shown us
he doesn't think much of our
corrals and fences.
Maybe we ought to put him
in the barn for the night.
Might be lonely. It's his
first night in captivity.
Can't we leave Twinkletoes
in the corral near him?
I'll toss him a flake of hay.
His problems will seem a lot
smaller on a full stomach.
(SNORTING)
(WHINNIES)
Hey, we got company.
Howdy, Tim.
Dusty.
(SNORTING)
(SNORTING)
Mighty neighborly of you
to round up my stock for me.
I've been looking for him
off and on for months now.
TIM: Well, I'm
glad to help.
I know those mules of yours
but I don't figure this
stud belongs to anybody.
He's not carrying any brand.
He's been running loose in
this country for years.
Why Tim, I've rode that
old horse a lot of times.
I've hunted off of him and
moved cattle with him.
Well anybody can tell
he belongs in my string.
TIM: I'll tell you
what we'll do, Dusty.
You just saddle him
and get on him right
here in this corral.
You can ride him out
that gate, he's yours.
Why thank you, Tim. You know,
I think I'll just do that.
(CHUCKLES)
Over here, Cascade.
(SNORTING)
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
RANCHER: There's a breed
of man in this country
called cowboy.
To him there ain't a
horse that can't be rode.
There's also a breed of horse
called bronc
and to him there ain't
a man that can't be throwed.
Every once in a while
these two come together
and that time was now.
(WHINNIES)
(BRAYING)
(HACKSAW SNORTING)
(GROANING)
(SNORTING)
Well, looks like the
ownership of Hacksaw is
pretty well established.
That's my horse.
Our horse.
Can't let him get
away with that.
Gotta show him who's boss.
Hello, buddy.
You're not gonna ride
him after that are you?
Well, I hope so.
You're crazy.
RANCHER: So you gotta
show 'em who's boss.
That was okay with Hacksaw
just as long as you kept off
his back while showin' him.
Tim figured he was a better
bronc rider than Dusty was.
Might even be a
little tougher too.
This was gonna be a
good time to prove it.
Right in front of Sue.
CASCADE: You got 'em.
Whoa!
C'mon, Tim!
CASCADE: Stay with him, Tim.
That's it!
(GRUNTING)
Oh.
RANCHER: He was a better bronc
rider than Dusty all right.
About eight seconds better.
You shouldn't have let
him get away with that.
Are you going to show
him who's boss again?
Well, we got
ourselves a horse.
Even if I can't ride him.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
RANCHER: Cascade allowed
a day for Tim's hide
and feelings to heal.
Then he thought he
might as well show him
how to get the job done.
Well, he can sure fool ya.
He acts plum gentle.
Oh.
Dusty and Tim just
weren't clever enough
to figure out Hacksaw.
Joe had time to
study their mistakes.
So, now he felt he had the
right combinations necessary
to stay on top of
this tough stud.
Easy boy.
The Sarcee Indians were
noted for their skill aboard
this kind of dynamite.
Easy boy.
Joe hated to show Tim up but
certain pride inside him said
it was no time to stop now.
Okay, Tim.
Let me have him.
When you got on Hacksaw's back
he felt the same way too.
(HORSE NEIGHING)
Stay in the buggy!
Atta boy!
Hang on!
Hacksaw now scored a lead.
Three down and
so far none to go.
Well, he's had his
chance to be a saddle horse.
If he won't ride, he'll pack.
Oh, no.
Well, everyone's gotta work
for a living in this outfit.
Not that. Not to a
beautiful horse like him.
It would break his heart.
But his breaking is a
long way from his heart.
C'mon Tim,
I'll give you a hand.
This Hacksaw, he was
really a fooler.
He accepted the pack saddle
with its cinches, breast
collar and breeching.
Even the rattle of
the portable kitchen
didn't bother him.
He actually never
resented man.
Just as long as he
stayed off his back.
But pack trips aren't
taken in corrals,
so Tim gave him
the final test,
out in the open.
Tim didn't have
to teach Hacksaw
anything about handling his
footing in rough country.
But he did need a few lessons
in basic packhorse manners.
Oop.
You don't put the
trees between us, Hack.
You follow me.
What's wrong? What happened
to Hacksaw's shoulder?
Oh, nothing much.
He decided to take a shortcut
between two trees that weren't
quite far enough apart.
Well, you always have to
scratch off a little bark
to make a good packhorse.
You dumb cowboys
are all alike.
You have to bend and break
and boss with brute strength.
You never consider doing
anything a woman's way.
Kindness, and gentleness,
and patience,
and understanding.
Would you be nice if
I got on your back?
RANCHER: So, now it was
ladies' day in Tim's corral.
Maybe Sue had something
that cowboys don't know about.
It ain't gonna take
long to find out.
Tim?
See, he doesn't mind my
being on his back at all.
You're not going to
believe this but Hacksaw
said it'd be all right.
Kindness is a universal
language understood by
all animals,
and most people.
Oh!
(NEIGHING)
Ah.
Tim, that horse lied to me.
He lied!
I agree with you fellas.
He'll make a beautiful
packhorse.
RANCHER: Sue had left
Tim's world of mountains
and forests
and returned to her home
in the east.
Winter crept in
early this year.
The snows blanketed
the higher mountains.
The fall air suddenly
became crisp.
Nature was putting her range
land into cold storage.
This was the signal for
the elk herds to migrate
to the lower valleys.
It was time to haul firewood.
Everybody had to work.
Even Hacksaw.
That oughta be enough
for the first load.
I'll take this back to camp.
Okay, see you later.
(MOTOR STARTING)
That didn't take very long.
Here we are back
for another load.
CASCADE: Well, you sure
don't need that kind of
speed for wood haulin'.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
RANCHER:
And winter did arrive.
In full force.
Hi, Leona.
Hi, Joe. Hi, Tim.
How 'bout some hot soup for
a couple of frozen cowboys?
There's some on the
other stove. It'll be
ready in a minute.
T-R-Nine, T-R-Nine.
This is Seven-Five-X-ray.
Come in T-R-Nine.
Seven-Five-X-ray to T-R-Nine.
I read you now T-R-Nine.
Charlie? Tim, I just got in.
What's up?
Tim, we have a plane down
at coordinates 0-5-1-8-5-7.
Impossible to get into by air.
Can't contact the pilot.
Can you effect a
ground rescue?
Yeah, I know
that area. You know,
it's pretty rough area to get
into this time of the year.
We'll give it a try.
I'll be on my way in about,
oh, 15 minutes.
Thanks Tim.
Seven-Five-X-ray out.
Want me to go in
with you, Tim?
No, I think it's better you
stay here with the radio.
I'll pack my stuff.
You saddle my horse. Oh, uh...
Put that rescue
gear on... On Hacksaw.
Okay.
RANCHER: A horse that has
run loose in this kind of
country and survived
a few of its winters
has a lot of savvy.
And Tim was counting
on this as well as
his stamina and heart.
Hacksaw was now
a gambler's choice.
Tim's horse helped to
break trail for Hacksaw
but the grueling
pull was tiring him.
Every step seemed like 50.
As the snow became deeper,
Tim's horse weakened.
He could no longer
break trail.
Without Tim's weight
he could make it back
down a trail by himself.
Now it was just
Tim and Hacksaw.
T-R-9. This is Snowbird.
T-R-9. This is Snowbird.
Do you read me?
T-X-9 here.
Go ahead, Snowbird.
We found him.
He's alive but in bad shape.
I think you better get a
doctor and a rescue vehicle.
We'll meet you at Goose Creek.
10-4 Snowbird.
We'll be heading back
in a few minutes.
Snowbird clear.
RANCHER: Tim knew a shortcut
to Goose Creek and it would
save valuable hours.
If they could get to the
crest and Hacksaw had
enough strength left
then maybe his plan would
work and the wounded man
would have a chance.
Well, this is where he said
he'd meet us, Jim, but there's
no sign of him yet.
Just lots and lots of snow.
Why don't we wait
inside and keep warm?
(PANTING)
RANCHER: Hacksaw's short
wait at the top of the crest
gave him a breather.
He was gonna need it.
Hold on
a little longer, fella.
It won't be long now.
Whoa.
You all right, Tim?
Yeah, and I'll tell
you something,
This is a pretty good horse.
RANCHER: In the
Canadian northwest,
winter had many faces.
One day she could bring
tragedy and suspense,
the next a tranquil beauty.
During these months, Tim
Andrews worked for the
provincial government's
fish and game department.
His duties were many but
most important, he checked
the migration of game herds.
Made rough counts on 'em.
Even checked the
predators who followed.
With winter's changing mood
there came a time for fun.
Nothing in this country
stopped as long as you
could do it on skis.
(MARCHING BAND PLAYING)
(DOGS BARKING)
There was all kinds
of competition
but the kids with the toughest
hides liked skijoring best.
But Tim came here for
one special reason.
The cutter races.
He figured Hacksaw was
up to a new test
and they might as well
have some sport trying.
There was another feller
here for the same reason.
Tim's old friend, Dusty Trent.
Who hadn't been beaten
in sled racing for years.
(SCREAMING)
Tim had invited Sue
out for the festivities
and a chance to see
Hacksaw in action.
It didn't take too
much coaxing to get
her on a plane either.
I guess she kind of
felt like she had a
stake in Hacksaw's career too.
Gee, it was great
to get your wire, Tim.
Well, I'm glad you
could make it. So,
have you had breakfast?
Uh-uh.
Well, come on then, let's go.
Thanks for the breakfast, Tim.
For a little girl,
you sure eat a lot.
I'm dying to see Hacksaw.
Why don't you go on over
to your motel and change?
Meet me in the field
by the rodeo grounds.
Watch us warm up.
How's he working, Tim?
You'll see.
Hey, Tim, wait for me.
(SNOWMOBILE BACKFIRING)
Whoa! Steady, steady!
Hi.
What the heck's the
matter with you?
What?
Can't ya turn that
darn thing off?
I can't hear... What?
I said, can't you turn...
Never mind, never mind.
Check your speedometer to
see how fast we're going.
Oh, no!
(SCREAMING)
Whoa! Whoa.
TIM: Are you all right?
Next time you want me to
clock your racehorse,
get me a stopwatch!
(TIM LAUGHING)
You brat.
ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen
and welcome to the
Big Winter Carnival.
Relax, keep warm
and have a good time.
Cutter racing is a
big winter sport
and in many parts of the west.
Kinda helps to shorten
up the long winters.
There's a lot of jackpot
racing, where the boys
run for their own money
and a few towns like ours
who put up some big purses
to get the good ones in.
These events get pretty
hot and heavy
so please stand back,
relax and have a good time.
(STARTING BELL RINGING)
(JOCKEYS YELLING)
RANCHER: Cutter races
are mostly run in pairs.
But the big championship
race this year would
be for singles.
I'm always on the lookout
for good horses so I never
miss these cutter races.
It's a good thing because
this is when I first spotted
Tim Andrews and Hacksaw.
Now, don't worry about me.
Just get Hacksaw ready.
See you after the races.
Good luck.
(STARTING BELL RINGING)
(JOCKEYS YELLING)
(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)
You boys all set?
Whoa.
Why, look who's here.
TIM: Hello, Dusty.
And he's got ol'
Hacksaw with him.
I thought we'd give you
a little run for your money.
I reckon a little competition
might do me some good.
That's just what
you're gonna get.
(LAUGHING)
Yeah, you do that.
(PROMPTING HORSE)
(JOCKEYS YELLING)
(CROWD CHEERING)
ANNOUNCER: And now for our
big special event.
The one we've all
been waiting for.
The single horse cutter race.
Our top local boy,
Chuck Daniels driving
Antelope Annie.
Chuck will be driving against
two boys from up north.
Dusty Trent, a top driver
driving Alberta Lad.
Dusty always shows
up with a fast horse
and you can bet he won't
be afoot today either.
Our third driver
is Tim Andrews.
A newcomer to
our cutter races.
Driving a horse
called Hacksaw.
RANCHER: I couldn't keep
my eyes off that big stallion.
He had a breedy look about
him that you just don't see
too often around these parts.
And I wondered
if he could run.
Go!
(CROWD CHEERING)
C'mon, Hacksaw!
Move over, get outta my way!
TIM: Move over!
C'mon, Hacksaw!
(CROWD CHEERING)
ANNOUNCER: The winner is
Dusty Trent and Alberta Lad.
RANCHER: That judge must
have been blind not to see
why Hacksaw got beat.
And I'd seen enough to know I
was interested in that horse.
SUE: Tim.
Can't win 'em all.
Hey, Pete, toss a blanket
over him, will ya?
Hacksaw, you sure tried.
No apologies.
We'll just have to
learn to outsmart that
kind of competition.
CASCADE: Say, Tim. Feller
here wants to talk to ya.
Excuse me, Sue.
I'll be right back.
Don't worry Hacksaw.
Tim, you remember Mr. Farrell.
Oh, sure. How're you doing?
Good to see you again, Tim.
Excuse me.
Surely.
That was a great
race out there.
And I saw what
really happened.
Huh, you run into all kinds of
people in the horse business.
Yeah, but I was watching
you and that stallion
and I think you're just
what I've been looking for.
Now, I'm talking about
chuck wagon racing.
Me and ol' Hacksaw?
Yeah.
Well, he wouldn't know
what it's all about
and neither would I.
Besides, I've never
driven a four-up.
But we can fix all that.
I've been in lots
of chuck wagon races
for lots of years.
Part of my trouble,
too many years.
But I still got a good
rig and three good horses.
And all I need to win is a
good lead horse that's fast
and fearless and tough.
And you got a
horse like that.
Yeah.
The other thing I need is
youth and you got that too.
But chuck wagon racing
is big time and there's
lots of money in it.
So, if you and Hacksaw
wanna throw in with me,
I think we can come up
with a pretty big bundle
of that money.
Now, you think it over
and when the weather clears
you and Hacksaw come
down to my place and
we'll give it a try.
Sounds interesting,
Mr. Farrell. I'll um...
I'll think about it.
Fair enough.
Okay.
Well, thanks for coming, Sue.
When you say hello to your
dad, tell him the fishing
will be great this spring.
Goodbye, Tim.
And take good care of Hacksaw.
RANCHER: The warm Chinook
winds finally arrived and
winter lost her hold.
The icicles made a last
attempt to hang on
but the spring air put
'em outta business.
Seems like about this time
everything in the woods
came alive.
(ROARING MILDLY)
When the grass came up
and the ground was good
for gallopin'
Tim and Cascade hauled
Hacksaw down to my place
for trainin'.
Tim, there's
one other thing
you're gonna need
and that's
an outrider.
Now, he don't have
to be too smart
but he's got to be able
to ride like a wild Indian
and toss that cookin' stove
in that tailgate basket.
Sort of like
basketball, huh?
Only with a...
With a moving basket
and a square iron ball.
Yeah, you got it.
Well, let's
give it a try.
I believe you boys
are ready for
lesson number two.
Get up here.
Come on now,
Hacksaw.
RANCHER: Hacksaw's training
had taught him to
lean into collar
but there's a lot more
to being a lead horse
than just running and pulling.
He's got to maneuver.
Speed without control
never won a chuck
wagon race.
Standing quiet
for a fast start
was most important.
This gives the outrider
time to fire that stove
into raft.
He's also got to
cross that finish line
behind his team.
This year's special race
at the Calgary Stampede
would start on the track
and then go cross-country.
This called
for some special trainin'
for both Tim and Hacksaw.
Fast turns on grass.
This was the secret.
Now a good driver
talks to his horses
right through these lines.
You got to have
the hands for it.
You need strength
with sensitivity.
Everything a driver
asks for is telegraphed
right through these lines.
This year, there would be
different obstacles.
Water would be one of them.
The race starts with
cutting a figure-eight
around the barrels.
Hacksaw had to lead
his team around these barrels.
Knocked-over barrels
mean penalties.
And too many penalties
can cost you the race.
Starting, pulling, running,
turning and speed are
all important.
But the most important
thing was for your
horses to be fit.
This trainin' was for the
big race and they had to
go a grueling distance.
It was going to be
the toughest race
in stampede history.
Tim. Joe.
You boys have
learned everything
that I can teach you.
I think we're
ready for it.
So Tim, why don't you
take the whole shebang
up to your place
and practice just every
chance you get?
'Cause that big,
special stakes race is
comin' up in July,
and I fully expect
to meet you there
in the winners' circle.
You heard that,
didn't you?
RANCHER: Tim's pack station
was now headquarters for
his racing team.
Okay, Cascade,
turn him loose.
Okay.
RANCHER: The training of
Hacksaw and company
never let down.
Tim took my advice
and got in his road work.
Slow miles,
but important miles.
Now the team was
handling as one unit.
The wheelers kept
the slack out of
the traces,
and the leaders were given
enough head so they'd move out
free and easy.
In any form of competition,
there's always a scout
for an opposing team.
Dusty Trent was that guy.
As a top racing driver
himself, he kept a close
watch on his competitors.
TIM: Whoa!
Howdy?
Albert, you got
my stuff ready?
You bet!
That looks like
a pretty fair outfit.
I wonder what kind of
a driver he really is.
What do you say,
we try him, Earl?
Good idea.
Just hand me
that rifle.
(CLICKS)
You take a horse
(GUNSHOT)
Or two
Handsome people
Nothing better to do
And it don't matter
The time or place
Somehow or another
You got a horse race
What about the young'uns?
They say
Watchin' 'em horses
Lead 'em astray
They get excited
Forget their place
That's the danger, friends
In a horse race
And even grown-ups
Sometimes
Forget what's proper
And think up crimes
Wind up in prison
Or in disgrace
And it all starts, friends
with a horse race
(HOOVES GALLOPING)
Is there an answer?
I don't know
Some say it's hopeless
and maybe that's so
This world's too busy
and too fast of pace
And it's no better, friends,
than a horse race
So give me water
When I'm dry
I'll take mother
And apple pie
Let's keep old Dobbin
there in his place
Hitched to the plow
not in a horse race
(ENGINE STOPS)
Howdy?
Hiya.
Looks like you're
having trouble, stranger.
All the trouble
a man needs.
You know, I'll tell you
what we can do.
Let's take that horse
out of there and
tie him up.
And I'll give you
a lift downtown.
I can't do that.
He's a stud.
He's the meanest
tiger on Earth.
He'll fight anything
that comes near him.
Oh, yeah?
Hmm.
You know,
I got a good friend,
just over that hill.
Tim Andrews.
Let's go over
and see if we can
leave your horse there.
Then you get
your truck fixed.
That's good.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
DUSTY: Hello there!
Anybody home?
Hey, Tim!
Go.
(GRUNTING)
Is anybody home?
Hey, Tim!
STRANGER: Hey, Dusty.
Are you sure
this all right
with your friend?
Well, sure, it's all right.
Tim's got a great,
big heart,
and a real little brain.
(CHUCKLES)
(NEIGHING)
(GRUNTING)
(NEIGHING)
(GRUNTING)
(NEIGHING)
(NEIGHING)
(BOTH HORSES
NEIGHING AND GRUNTING)
(NEIGHING)
(NEIGHING WILDLY)
(GRUNTING)
(NEIGHS)
Hey, Tim!
Looks like
we got troubles.
RANCHER: It didn't take
Tim and Cascade long to
figure out what happened.
Telltale marks of an intruder
are always a lot more obvious
in the back country.
Hoof prints
pounded into the dirt.
Sorrel horse hairs
on a broken rail.
These all told a story.
You don't have to
be an expert to know
what went on here.
RANCHER: It was easy
for Tim to follow
the trail at first
but it got tougher
with time and distance.
And time was running out.
The big chuck wagon race
of Calgary was coming up
and we didn't have
a lead horse.
Cascade and Tim checked
all the shaded areas.
Even better at findin' animals
in distress are the ravens.
Tim and Cascade studied
their flight patterns.
(RAVENS CAWING)
When animals
are wounded or sick
their natural instinct is
to hole up somewhere.
Now, Hacksaw was badly hurt.
He might be down.
If he'd lost blood
and was weak,
he'd stay hidden.
As the search wore on, the
race seemed less important.
Tim admitted to himself
that he'd just settle for
getting Hacksaw back.
(CLANGING)
Over here.
What's the matter?
Aren't you feeling good?
You haven't
finished off your grain.
Huh.
RANCHER: Hacksaw had
survived in the wilds before
and understood
the human ways of nature.
To him, survival
meant good grass,
clean air and cold water.
When Hacksaw's bruised body
stopped achin'
he came out in the open.
This big country was his home.
He knew all its streams
and grasslands.
All the havens where
a horse could live in peace.
But the better he felt,
the more restless he became.
He had a new home now
and new ties.
He had an urgency to return.
(NEIGHING)
(NEIGHING)
(GRUNTING)
(NEIGHING)
Hacksaw, you old
lop-eared rascal.
(SNORTING)
He showed up
in the nick of time.
Calgary, here we come.
(WHOOPING)
RANCHER: Calgary is billed
as the greatest outdoor
show on Earth.
And I really believe it is.
The preliminary chuck wagon
races touch off a spark
that blasts the whole show
off to an exciting pitch.
Practically everybody in
the Dominion of Canada
gets stampede fever.
People come
from all over the world
to join in the excitement.
Sue and her father
felt they had a stake in
the big race too.
And it didn't take long
for them to catch the fever.
Chuck wagon racin'
was the big event here.
But the stampede has
a championship rodeo,
parades, livestock shows,
carnival on the midway
and a week of Indian pow-wow
with tribes from
all over Western Canada.
Wayne, take the horses
on the other side.
I'll be right there.
SUE: Hey, Tim!
Hey, Sue!
Mr. Curtis,
welcome to Calgary.
Nice to be back, Tim.
Had a nice trip?
Wonderful.
Sure did.
Good.
Hi, Cascade.
Hi!
It's good to
see you again.
You're lookin' good.
Are you sure Hacksaw's
ready for this race?
Is he all right?
Well, he's tough.
He's plenty tough.
We just won't know
how tough until he
gets in that race.
That's right.
You know, we all have
a personal interest
in this horse.
We wouldn't miss this
for the world.
Excuse me, folks.
I'm gonna harness up.
RANCHER: Chuck wagon racing
has its own rules
and regulations.
All competing wagons have to
weigh in at not less
than 1,325 pounds.
All rigs have to have
standard running gear.
There are even regulations
for width and height.
The association
has official judges
to pass on all entries.
Here, Bill. Hold this
while I grease it up.
When I pick up the wagon,
you put the wheel on.
You really think
you can lift that?
Lift it? I just
might turn it over.
RANCHER: With all the
preliminary races over,
time was drawing near
for the big race and
this is what we came for.
ANNOUNCER: Ladies and
gentlemen, The Westernaires.
(HOOVES GALLOPING)
(APPLAUDING)
(NEIGHING)
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
And now, ladies
and gentlemen,
for the event
you've been waiting for.
The finals of
the chuck wagon races.
This year it's different.
It's the big, special
race of the stampede
with the wagons using
only one outrider.
And for the first time,
the wagons will
leave the arena,
race pell-mell
over cross-country
and then return to
the arena track, for the
wild and exciting finish.
Okay, here they come
on the track for the start.
Moving up into
their barrel positions,
Norm Dutton has drawn
barrel number one.
At barrel number two,
it's Don Weldon.
There's Dusty Trent
moving into number three
barrel position.
And Tim Andrews is
at the number four
barrel spot.
(CROWD CHATTERING)
ANNOUNCER:
And there they go!
(ANNOUNCER CONTINUES
INDISTINCTLY)
Whoa, steady!
(CROWD GASPS)
Oh, Dad.
Cascade's hurt!
He'll be all right.
ANNOUNCER: He's been hurt
and he's making his mount
back up again.
(RIDERS YELLING)
(ALL CHEERING)
Norm Dutton is going
behind for number three
and Tim Andrews
is ridin' behind
at number four,
as they head into
that first turn.
Ha!
(CROWD CHEERING)
ANNOUNCER: Cascade Joe
is comin' up
and has now regained
his outrider's position
as Tim Andrews takes
a slight lead.
Ha!
(ALL CHEERING)
ANNOUNCER: The pace
is terrific. They are
heading out the back gate
for the outside course.
Phil Crystal will call it
from the judges' stand
in the field.
Take it away, Phil.
Thank you, Joe.
And that field well bunched
is really pounding.
Those four teams
and four top drivers
are pouring it on,
as they head over the crest
and on to the course.
(RIDER YELLING)
(CROWD CHEERING)
(HORSES NEIGHING)
(LAUGHING)
(DUSTY YELLING)
(RIDERS URGING)
Yah! Yah! Yah!
Hyah!
(URGING)
And now we'll separate
the men from the boys
out there
as they sweep across
Desperation Flat, heading for
Cudney Swamp.
(CRASHING)
(HORSES NEIGHING)
(CROWD SCREAMING)
(CROWD GASPS)
(MOCKING LAUGHTER)
PHIL: Dutton's around
in front, okay.
Andrews makes a run!
And Trent with plenty
of ground to make up.
(CROWD CHEERING)
(DUSTY URGING)
PHIL: They're flying!
Around that
final bound, folks!
And now, back to you,
Joe Carbury.
JOE: And here they
come back, into the entrance
skate of the arena track
for the final push.
It's Dutton and Trent,
neck and neck,
Tim Andrews third
by two lengths with
Weldon disqualified.
Dusty Trent is leading and
Norm Dutton is running second,
and Tim Andrews
can't get through.
He's blocked out.
He's having trouble
in that back stretch.
(RIDERS URGING)
Hyah!
Yah!
(URGING)
(BANGING)
(SCREECHING)
JOE: Now, Tim Andrews
tries to pull through
that opening.
Come on, Hacksaw!
JOE: His lead horse
is fighting to get in there.
(URGING)
Sure you win that one!
JOE: Andrews is going
to make it.
He's going to get there!
(RIDERS URGING)
JOE: It looks as though
Tim Andrews is starting
to move on in front.
Is Tim Andrews gonna
get there? He is!
He gets there in time!
(CROWD CHEERING)
Oh, he did it!
JOE: Ladies and gentlemen,
it's official.
Tim Andrews is the winner.
And now, Mr. Ed O'Connor,
President of the Stampede,
will present
the championship trophy.
Congratulations, Tim!
Good race.
Really good race!
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Real good race.
How are you?
Good.
It was a great race, Tim!
I told you I'd get you
in the winners' circle.
Got a little tight there
for a minute.
Yeah.
(CROWD CHEERING)
(CROWD CONTINUES CHEERING)
Cascade, that doc's
waitin' for you. You better
get on over to see him.
I'll catch up with you
in a minute.
Oh, okay.
Congratulations,
Tim!
Well, thanks,
Jimmy!
You know, you walk
almost as reckless
as you drive.
First of all, you try
to run me off
that racetrack.
And now you're tryin' to
crowd me plum out of
this rodeo ground.
Dusty, I never tried
to crowd you.
I tried to stay out
of your way,
but you just don't
understand, do you?
Oh, yeah,
I understand.
(GRUNTS IN PAIN)
(HORSE NEIGHING)
(NEIGHING)
SUE: Tim! Joe! Quick!
TIM: Oh, no. Not another
blonde around here.
(GRUNTING)
(NEIGHING)
Joe.
What happened?
It's my trophy
from the big race.
(FOAL NEIGHING)
Sue, why don't
you hop on my horse?
We'll take a little ride
to the other side
of the lake, okay?
Okay.
Figured ol' Hacksaw's
gotta be dog-tired
after that
chuck wagon race.
(CHUCKLES)
RANCHER: Yes, Tim was that
rare breed of cowboy to
never accept defeat.
He had the edge
on Hacksaw now.
He'd show him he could get on
his back and stay there.
Look, he's gentle
as a kitten!
(NEIGHS WILDLY)
(NEIGHING WILDLY)
(GRUNTS)
(NEIGHING)
Oh, no.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Well, you showed him
who's boss again.
You shouldn't
let him do that, Tim.
Can't we just do it
his way from now on?
Uh, I give up.
He's still the best horse
I've ever owned.
You mean, he's the best
horse we've ever owned.
And if I stay a while
We can run and play a while
Don't you think you and I
should have a happy ending