Heads or Tails? (2025) Movie Script
1
[soft melancholic music]
[paper rustling]
[music continues]
[male voice]
"Heads or Tails?"
A thrilling and true tale
by Buffalo Bill Cody.
Transcribed by J.W. Buel.
[music continues]
With the arrival
of the steam engine,
the romance of the land
fades into oblivion.
In this new world,
bandits become heroes
in the minds of the average boy
who longs to make
his name known to the world.
You see, If a writer lends
the magic of his imagination
to the plain narrative...
...anything can transform
into quite a story.
[wind blowing]
I met her at Buffalo Bill's
Wild West Show.
[soft thuds]
[music fades]
The greatest show of our time.
[theatrical piano music]
[gunshot]
[muffled gunshot]
[grunt]
[man singing in Italian]
[gunshot]
[muffled screams]
[gunshot]
[grunting]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
The crowd scatters,
in a cloud of dust
Buffalo Bill Cody emerges.
He fires one shot.
[gunshot]
Our hero advances
on the savage Sioux.
He fires two more shots.
-[gunshot]
-[grunts]
-[gunshot]
-[grunts]
Now upon the enemy,
he draws a knife,
to finish the deed.
[violin screech sound]
The brave drops...
lifeless.
He scalps him.
[music continues]
Shows it to his comrades
and shouts,
"For Custer!"
[clamoring]
That stupid son of a bitch.
-This ends the uprising.
-[gunshot]
[applause]
[music fades]
You're very kind.
What you have just seen,
is how America became a land
of opportunity.
[indistinct chatter]
God's brave men and women
who paved the path
for civilization
with their sacrifices,
America would not be the free,
united and powerful
country it is.
[Buffalo Bill continues,
indistinctly]
America has possibility.
The possibility to better
one's lot in life.
And the opportunity
for every man and every woman
to become truly free.
Yes, friends.
America is the land of freedom.
[applause]
And now...
...we'd like to extend
our sincere gratitude
to our generous hosts,
the noble Rup family.
Who, I'm told, are blazing
a trail across this country,
much like the American
settlers did.
Godspeed and thank you.
And now, my dear friends,
comes that bittersweet moment
when I must bid you,
Arrivederci.
[applause stop]
Before I do,
I will leave you with this.
[crowd gasp]
If you must shoot,
do not miss.
And always aim
for the heart.
[gunshot]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 1.
Kidnapped.
Well, the taking of the scalp
was revenge for Custer's death.
It was deemed an appropriate act
of war at the time.
But you asked if it was true.
And I'd like to state,
right here,
and right now, unequivocally,
everything in our show
is absolutely true,
down to the last detail.
Ask any Indian in the show
and they'll tell you the same.
See, I've had quite a bit to do
with the American
Indians, all the years.
I've tracked them,
I've fought them
and I've tried
to understand them.
I've also tried to be
as fair to them as I could,
given the circumstances.
Of course
our present
circumstances find us
as a family here
in this theatrical endeavor.
-Very proud of that.
-[camera shutter clicks]
[grunts]
As a matter of fact, [chuckles]
I would like to turn things over
to a dear friend of mine
who will
speak to you herself.
She is a legend
of the American West.
She's, in fact, the daughter
of the great Chief,
Sitting Bull.
May God rest his soul.
You won't find a better example
of the nobility of her people
than Many Horses
who will speak to you now.
My dear.
[sighs]
[indistinct conversations]
Is it all true?
Was it really so violent?
Oh, you speak inglese , huh?
Well, let me ask you this, Miss.
Is everything you say
always true?
Must be a terrible burden...
I do my best.
As do I.
And the truth is,
the American West
was much more violent
than our little circus here.
Terrible, in fact.
But terrible things must be done
in the name of progress.
No great nation was ever
founded without violence.
But is it glorious
to win with blood?
[Indistinct conversations]
What an interesting question.
You know, Miss...
...if you don't mind
my saying...
...I think you could be a star.
-[chuckles]
-And I know how to pick 'em.
I don't know what it is,
but you've got it...
But I think you need
a different costume.
You don't seem
comfortable in that one.
I like it,
-it's just a little bit tight.
-Mm.
[man] Bill! You met my wife.
[Buffalo Bill] Oh!
[man]
French women talk too much.
[chuckles] Oh, I see, well...
Forgive me, sir,
but I do find your wife's
curiosity very refreshing.
Enchant, madame.
[chuckles]
Speaking of refreshing,
what say we go to the bar,
shall we?
-This way.
-Ah!
Very good, now, as I was saying,
ya'll people think
they want the truth,
but what they really want
is a good story.
And they're willing to pay
good money for it,
I can tell you that.
-Whiskey doppio!
-[door squeaks]
You know, they wanna
come hear a story
they want to hear
about themselves.
And to see the finest cowboys
on God's green earth.
[chuckles]
Finest horsemen in the world.
[liquid pouring]
Gracias. [glass thuds]
The best cowboys in the world
are in his stable.
Hmm, well,
I'm sure your Italian cowherders
are quite special, sir,
but they wouldn't stand
the ghost of a chance
against my cowboys.
Sorry?
I think he's challenging you.
He loves to bet.
[thud]
He loves to bet?
You're gonna bet
against my boys, is that right?
Boys, you won't believe
what I just heard!
You're gonna
regret that bet, sir.
Can you imagine
the temerity of it?
This fella here
wants to bet against you.
Put these cowboys
here in Italy up against you.
The sheer temerity of it!
I've never heard of anything
so ridiculous in my whole life.
-Hold on to that, slim.
-[intriguing music]
Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.
Sorry to interrupt the party,
but I've got
one hundred dollars here
for anyone who thinks
they can best
my cowboys at horsemanship.
It's a big bet for a big ride.
Who is in?
[music increases]
[indistinct conversations]
[inaudible]
[music continues]
-[whistle]
-[music stops]
[music continues]
[metal clanking]
You asked for and you got it.
Our last big,
unplanned act of the day.
Alright.
This is how it's going to go.
There will be two six men team.
One team of Americans,
one team of Italians.
Two wild horses.
The best nag these Italians
can provide
and an American Mustang.
-They must... lasso,
-[horse neighs]
subdue, saddle
and ride this wild beast
in the shortest time possible.
Alright, boys, you're ready?
-[door closes]
-[music stops]
[thuds]
[horse neighs]
[horse neighs and kicks]
[chuckles]
[horse neighs]
[sighs]
[horse neighs]
[suspenseful music]
[indistinct chatter
in background]
[music turns dramatic]
[horse neighs]
[Buffalo Bill] You know
what makes a true cowboy?
There we go!
There we go!
It ain't luck,
I can tell you that.
A cowboy must be
tough, of course.
[muffled thud]
[crowd cheering]
[grunts]
But he must also know
the mind of a horse.
They must be brave
and pure of character...
[music fades lightly]
because a horse knows a liar
without even seeing a man.
[clicks]
[music continues]
[horse neighs]
[indistinct conversations]
[horse neighs]
[indistinct chatter]
[chatter continues]
[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[Buffalo Bill] A horse knows
the true heart of a man
and sees straight through
wicked man.
A cowboy must be
champion of the weak.
[horse neighs]
Oh!
And be pure of heart.
He must have
the strength of a man...
but the innocence of a boy.
[music fades]
[wind blowing]
That is what defines
a true cowboy.
[crowd cheering]
[applause]
[gentle music]
[cheering continues]
[music continues]
[applause continues]
[men cheering]
An unlikely result,
congratulations.
Come on, boys, let's beat it.
Come on, let's go,
excuse me ladies.
[horse neighs]
[whistling]
[sighs]
[whistling continues]
[horse neighs]
[door opens, squeaks]
[grunts softly]
-[thud]
-[grunts]
[slap]
[slap]
[eerie music]
[breathing heavily]
[gunshot]
[horse neighs]
[music stops]
[grunts in pain]
[breathing heavily]
[Santino in Italian]
[soft melancholic music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[Santino whistles]
[whistling continues]
[whistling stops]
[Rosa in Italian]
[fire crackling]
[indistinct animal sounds]
[soft thud]
[wind blowing]
[water splashes]
[breathing heavily]
[insects buzzing]
[breathing heavily]
[Rosa in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[sighs]
[dramatic music]
[breathing heavily]
[music continues]
[breathing heavily]
[music fades]
[man in Italian]
[dramatic music]
[water splashes]
[metal clanking]
[music intensifies]
[man continues in Italian]
[men singing in Italian]
[Santino grunting]
[music continues]
[gunshot]
[indistinct chatter]
[shutter clicks]
[Santino singing in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino chuckles]
[Rosa in Italian]
[soft guitar music]
[Santino whistling]
[horse neighs]
[horse blowing]
[Santino whistling]
-[music fades]
-[whistling stops]
[soft melancholic music]
[music continues]
-[music fades]
-[inaudible]
[dogs barking at distance]
[barking continues]
[coughs]
[dramatic percussion]
[barking continues]
[dramatic upbeat music]
[barking continues]
[music continues]
[thunder roars]
[dogs barking]
[horse neighs]
[music continues]
[Santino in Italian]
-[screams]
-[horse neighs]
[music continues]
-[music fades]
-[dog barking]
[Ercole's father in Italian]
He fooled us enough.
Well, with all due
respect, sir...
I can't help you.
You and my debauched son
made a mess with your bet.
And now...
he's dead.
Well, I did not kill your son.
"Buffalo Bill is an exploiter
of the Indians,
a fraud, an impostor,
a shameless inventor
of fairy tales,
a false hero,
scoundrel and a drunk."
-Want me to go on?
-No, that won't be necessary.
Now, a drunk I would debate,
but the rest of this
is bullshit and you know it.
-Good day.
-[Ercole's father] Bill!
You're not out of fashion...
...yet.
What do you want
from me, Mr. Rup?
I want you...
to bring that woman back to me.
Bring her to me
and every damn newspaper
in this country
will have your name
on the front page.
"Buffalo Bill catches
the bastard...
...and saves the dame."
Mm.
Not bad.
Not bad.
Not bad at all.
Yes, that might make
a very fine tale.
[sighs]
Well, I hate to spoil
the love story, Johnny,
but it's time to saddle up,
we're back in the money.
Miss...
[melancholic piano music]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 2. To the rescue.
The outlaw
had dragged his prisoner
-to a malarial swamp
-[rain pouring]
to try and hide their tracks.
But such evasions
can't fool a great tracker.
I've faced gators,
timber rattlers,
snapping turtles and more,
lurking in similar
muddy waters.
[Santino in Italian]
[Buffalo Bill] And though
the land may be different...
...the spirit of this
expedition remains the same.
-[water splashes]
-[grunts]
With the courage and conduct
that only
the gallant possess...
...we set forth...
...to save our Rose.
[frogs croaking]
[indistinct animal noises]
[snake hissing]
[snake hissing]
[Santino in Italian]
[Rosa in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[sighs]
[indistinct animal sounds]
[Santino in Italian]
[insects buzzing]
[Rosa in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[birds flapping wings]
[ominous music]
[thunder roars]
[rain pouring]
[thunder roars]
[thunder roars]
[whistle]
[man in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[sighs]
[clears throat]
[bottle thuds]
[Santino in Italian]
[sipping]
[cup thuds]
[cup thuds]
[cup thuds]
[sighs]
[man in Italian]
[Santino] Ah...
[sighs]
[cup thuds]
[sipping]
[cup thuds]
[cup thuds]
[rain pouring]
[Rosa in Italian]
[grunts]
[sighs]
[chuckles softly]
[Santino in Italian]
[thunder roars]
[chuckles]
[soft melancholic music]
[kiss]
-[heavy breathing]
-[soft moaning]
[music continues]
[heavy breathing continues]
[soft chuckles]
[Rosa in Italian]
[music fades]
[kiss]
[thunder roars]
[door closes]
[grunts]
[humming]
[urinating]
[eerie music]
Hmm.
[sighs]
[continues humming]
[continues humming]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[grunts softly]
[birds chirping]
[animals grunting]
[water running]
[suspenseful music]
[frogs croaking]
[music continues]
[frogs croaking]
[frogs croaking]
-[frogs croaking]
-[music increases]
[music fades]
[whistling]
[mutters indistinctly]
[whistling]
[whistling continues]
[whistling continues]
[horse neighs]
[whistling continues]
[Rosa in Italian]
[horse neighs]
[dramatic music]
[Rosa panting]
[music continues]
[man whistling]
[sighs]
[man in Italian]
[intriguing music]
[sniffles]
[thudding]
[grunts]
[grunts]
[insects buzzing]
[scoffs, sighs]
[man in Italian]
[chains rattle]
[music intensifies]
Hmm.
[chains rattle]
[scoffs]
[chuckles]
[chains rattle]
[music continues]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 3.
A startling discovery.
[footsteps approaching]
[thunder roars]
[Buffalo Bill]
Johnny! Look here.
You walked right past that.
You see that twig?
That's a broken twig. You know
what that means, don't you?
That means they walked
right through here.
Now, every single thing
on the ground is a clue for us.
There, look closer.
Just because you can't see it
doesn't mean it's not there.
You see that, Johnny?
Lot of hidden truths out here,
write that in our journal.
Folks will think we're damn
poets when they read it.
[chuckles]
Mark my words, boy,
this is gonna be quite a story.
Hell, might be the finest
dime-store novel ever written!
True bravery
is not the lack of fear...
but the strength
to keep going in spite of it.
So be the hero
of your own story.
-[banging on door]
-Just like Buffalo Bill Cody.
[guard in Italian]
[Rosa in Italian]
[guard in Italian]
[lock clicking]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[guard in Italian]
[chains rattle, thud]
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[music increasing]
[keys rattle, thud]
[Rosa in Italian]
[music continues]
[guard in Italian]
[guard speaking Italian]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[loud explosion]
[man speaking Spanish]
[in Italian]
[in Spanish]
[coughing]
[man continues shouting
in Spanish]
[Santino in Italian]
-[chains rattle]
-[grunting]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[snaps fingers]
[grunts softly]
[laughter]
[chuckles softly]
[both chuckle]
[crowd cheering]
-[whistles]
-[crowd goes quiet]
[muttering]
[grunts]
[all cheering]
[laughter]
[clamoring]
[gunshots]
[clamoring continues]
[chuckles]
[kiss]
Hm...
[shutter clicks]
[upbeat accordion music]
[singing in Italian]
[crowd cheering]
[men cheering]
[loud cheering]
[cheering]
[laughter]
[burping]
[gunshot]
[music continues]
[chuckling]
[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[Santino continues singing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering and laughing]
[crowd cheering and laughing]
-[crowd goes quiet]
-[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering and laughing]
[crowd cheering]
Santino!
[crowd cheering]
Huh?
[Santino scoffs]
[chuckles]
-[thud]
-[grunts]
[sighs]
Huh...
[sighs]
[sighs]
[Rosa sighs]
[soft thud]
[Rosa sobs]
[Santino groans]
[sniffles]
[sighs]
[cheering in background]
[thuds]
[music in background]
[gunshots
and glass shattering]
[Rosa screams]
-[screams]
-[gunshots continue]
[gunshot]
[grunts]
-[gunshot]
-[scream]
-[scream]
-[gunshot]
[grunt]
[gunshots]
[Rosa screaming]
-[gunshot]
-[grunt]
[gunshots]
-[Santino in Italian]
-[Rosa screaming]
[gunshots]
[hen clucking]
[gunshots]
-[gunshot]
-[screaming]
-[gunshots]
-[screaming]
[gunshots]
-[gunshots]
-[screams]
[gunshots]
[horse neighs]
[gunshots]
-[gunshot]
-[grunt]
[muffled grunting]
[gasps]
[groaning]
[melancholic music]
[gasps]
[gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 4.
So long and farewell.
[screaming]
[soft melancholic music]
[grunting, panting]
[groaning]
[Buffalo Bill] Oh! Oh!
Oh!
What a beautiful baby
you have here.
Oh!
What will his future be like?
And yours?
Here, here.
Here.
There, there...
Yeah.
Here, here...
Here you are...
Yeah, there.
[shushing]
Well?
Will you seize the opportunity
or will you let someone else
decide your faith?
Hm?
Look what you've created.
Look what you
brought into the world.
[music distorting]
What will you make of it?
Hm?
[he bleats]
[bleating]
[men laughing]
[Midas in Italian]
[man in Italian]
[both sigh]
[snaps fingers]
[man chuckles]
[bleating]
[chuckling]
[laughter]
[sighs]
[both chuckle]
[laughter]
[whistling]
[eerie music]
[crate thuds]
[music continues]
[Rosa gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[man in Italian]
[music continues]
-[spits]
-[Midas in Italian]
[glass shatters]
[Thirty Vizi in Italian]
[Midas in Italian]
[grunting]
[water running]
[Midas in Italian]
[Thirty Vizi grunts]
[both men grunting]
-[grunts]
-[groaning]
[grunts]
[grunting continues]
[coughing]
[gunshot]
[eerie music]
[music continues]
[music turns intriguing]
[music continues]
[sighs]
[screaming]
[shushing]
[thunder roars]
[clicking tongue]
[imitating a crow's caw]
[Buffalo Bill]
Brother crow...
[caws]
I'm looking for someone.
[imitating a crow's caw]
Can you help me?
[clicking tongue]
[crow cawing]
Johnny, you won't believe
what he just told me.
[crows cawing]
Shoo!
[crows cawing]
[Santino] Ah...
[gasps]
[Santino continues
in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[insects buzzing]
[Santino in Italian]
Hmm...
[Santino singing in Italian]
[dramatic piano music]
[Buffalo Bill]
We followed the bird's advice.
But what we discovered
would make me question
my very sanity.
[crow cawing]
Like the legend of El Muerto.
He was left to roam for weeks
as a warning to other outlaws.
Some say his ghost
still wanders the borderlands.
When the moon is full.
Well Johnny,
we found most of him.
Crow was right!
[music continues]
[metallic thud]
[music continues]
[explosion]
[music fades]
[lighter clicks]
[dramatic suspenseful music]
[gasps]
[muffled scream]
[music increases, then halts]
[flies buzzing]
[grunts]
[gagging sound]
[spits]
[panting]
[both grunt]
[chuckles]
[grunts]
Huh?
[sobbing]
[sighs]
[crying]
[chuckles]
[sighs]
[dramatic music]
[gun clicks]
[gunshot]
[music continues]
[gun thuds]
[grunts]
[melancholic music]
[Buffalo Bill] The wind,
the rain, the grind...
[man chuckles]
She had never slept
under the stars before,
never walked this long
without stopping.
A life for the strong
to be sure.
But damned if it ain't a life
for the lonely as well.
You see, in the end,
what are we left with?
Only the ones
who touched our hearts.
[Santino in Italian]
[grunting]
[grunts, then sighs]
[Santino in Italian]
[music continues]
[bush rustling]
[music continues]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[music fades]
[sighs]
[cries]
[Santino in Italian]
[Rosa sniffles]
[sighs]
[sniffles]
[sobbing]
[gentle music]
[Buffalo Bill]
I met her out west
Where the bristlecones grow
A little bird singing
So soft and so low
Her eyes shined like diamonds
They're perched in a tree
She gently descended
And then followed me
We rode together
Through thick
And through thin
We laughed in the sunshine
We hid from the rain
My feathered companion
The bird touched my heart
When evening descended
I knew we must part
So fly little birdie
Yes, take to the wing
A song you have written
A song you must sing
The doggies retire
And head for the hay
Fly with me, birdie
We'll be on our way
She whistled, "Cowboy
Don't you tie me down"
I belong to the sky
And I cannot be bound
And with that she took off
And faded from view
-[neighing]
-A free little birdie
Surrounded by blue
So fly little birdie
And long may you roam
You're meant for the blue
You ain't meant
To stay home
I'll bid you farewell
With a tear in my eye
-So fly little birdie
-[screams]
To wide open sky
[music ends]
[horse neighs]
[Buffalo Bill] Did you really
think I wouldn't find ya?
You must be dreaming!
[chuckles]
Johnny, go gather some firewood!
Look at you.
[chuckles softly]
You must be cold.
Jiggs up, mademoiselle.
You're safe now,
with old Bill Cody.
You know, Miss...
The more I think about it...
the more I think...
there must have been
something more going on
between you and that cowboy
than people realize.
[crows cawing]
Because...
you wouldn't have
gotten this far
being an uncooperative hostage.
But here's the good news,
I won't mention it.
Not to your father-in-law,
not to anyone.
If you come back with me,
you can tell them
any story you want.
And I'll...
I'll return you
to your life of comfort.
It looks like the fellow
that killed your husband
has already paid the price.
[footsteps approaching]
This is the perfect ending
for the story, isn't it?
I'm not going back.
I won't let anyone
take me anywhere anymore.
I killed my husband...
....and I will kill you,
if I have to.
Well, well.
You see,
there is something about you.
I am impressed with you, miss.
Well, I must admit you've got
the jump on me right now.
But one of us,
maybe both of us...
Maybe all three of us...
are going to end up
getting shot, if this continues.
That's how these things tend
to work out in my experience.
And I think that would be
a shame, don't you?
So, if you don't mind, I'd like
to propose another option.
No, no, don't get jumpy.
What say,
we let faith settle this?
See, I'll flip this coin...
and if it comes up heads...
well, we'll have ourselves
a good old gun battle.
But if it comes up tails,
we go our separate ways
and pretend this little
meeting never happened.
What'd you say?
[dramatic upbeat music]
[soft chuckle]
You rely too much
on luck, Mr. Cody.
Is it ever righteous
to win with blood?
You know the interesting thing
about heads or tails, miss,
is what you wish for
while the coin
tumbles through the air.
[high-pitched ring]
[metal clanking]
[music continues]
[Buffalo Bill]
She felt she had it all.
An elegant home,
a polite smile,
a happy marriage.
But fate had others plans.
Her husband was gunned down
in cold blood.
The gutless murderer
by the name of Santo
shot his boss
and kidnapped his wife.
The oldest story of them all.
Now she gazed
into her captor's devilish eyes
and saw
the blood-red mouth of a lion.
She screamed,
her cries so wild and frantic
that the entire grandstand
rushed to see
what had happened.
This delicate rose was taken...
in a cowardly manner.
Against her will.
Plucked from her
beautiful garden.
[music stops abruptly]
[paper rustles]
[crackling]
[grunts]
[soft thud]
Et voil.
[laughs]
[Rosa in Italian]
[sighs]
[lock clicks]
[dramatic music]
[gunshot]
[gasping for air]
[music stops]
[waves crashing]
[soft melancholic music]
[shoveling]
[Rosa in Italian]
[flies buzzing]
[scoffs]
[continues shoveling]
[music fades]
[flies continue buzzing]
[flies buzzing]
[Rosa in Italian]
[chuckles]
[flies buzzing]
[melancholic music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[soft melancholic music]
[paper rustling]
[music continues]
[male voice]
"Heads or Tails?"
A thrilling and true tale
by Buffalo Bill Cody.
Transcribed by J.W. Buel.
[music continues]
With the arrival
of the steam engine,
the romance of the land
fades into oblivion.
In this new world,
bandits become heroes
in the minds of the average boy
who longs to make
his name known to the world.
You see, If a writer lends
the magic of his imagination
to the plain narrative...
...anything can transform
into quite a story.
[wind blowing]
I met her at Buffalo Bill's
Wild West Show.
[soft thuds]
[music fades]
The greatest show of our time.
[theatrical piano music]
[gunshot]
[muffled gunshot]
[grunt]
[man singing in Italian]
[gunshot]
[muffled screams]
[gunshot]
[grunting]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
The crowd scatters,
in a cloud of dust
Buffalo Bill Cody emerges.
He fires one shot.
[gunshot]
Our hero advances
on the savage Sioux.
He fires two more shots.
-[gunshot]
-[grunts]
-[gunshot]
-[grunts]
Now upon the enemy,
he draws a knife,
to finish the deed.
[violin screech sound]
The brave drops...
lifeless.
He scalps him.
[music continues]
Shows it to his comrades
and shouts,
"For Custer!"
[clamoring]
That stupid son of a bitch.
-This ends the uprising.
-[gunshot]
[applause]
[music fades]
You're very kind.
What you have just seen,
is how America became a land
of opportunity.
[indistinct chatter]
God's brave men and women
who paved the path
for civilization
with their sacrifices,
America would not be the free,
united and powerful
country it is.
[Buffalo Bill continues,
indistinctly]
America has possibility.
The possibility to better
one's lot in life.
And the opportunity
for every man and every woman
to become truly free.
Yes, friends.
America is the land of freedom.
[applause]
And now...
...we'd like to extend
our sincere gratitude
to our generous hosts,
the noble Rup family.
Who, I'm told, are blazing
a trail across this country,
much like the American
settlers did.
Godspeed and thank you.
And now, my dear friends,
comes that bittersweet moment
when I must bid you,
Arrivederci.
[applause stop]
Before I do,
I will leave you with this.
[crowd gasp]
If you must shoot,
do not miss.
And always aim
for the heart.
[gunshot]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 1.
Kidnapped.
Well, the taking of the scalp
was revenge for Custer's death.
It was deemed an appropriate act
of war at the time.
But you asked if it was true.
And I'd like to state,
right here,
and right now, unequivocally,
everything in our show
is absolutely true,
down to the last detail.
Ask any Indian in the show
and they'll tell you the same.
See, I've had quite a bit to do
with the American
Indians, all the years.
I've tracked them,
I've fought them
and I've tried
to understand them.
I've also tried to be
as fair to them as I could,
given the circumstances.
Of course
our present
circumstances find us
as a family here
in this theatrical endeavor.
-Very proud of that.
-[camera shutter clicks]
[grunts]
As a matter of fact, [chuckles]
I would like to turn things over
to a dear friend of mine
who will
speak to you herself.
She is a legend
of the American West.
She's, in fact, the daughter
of the great Chief,
Sitting Bull.
May God rest his soul.
You won't find a better example
of the nobility of her people
than Many Horses
who will speak to you now.
My dear.
[sighs]
[indistinct conversations]
Is it all true?
Was it really so violent?
Oh, you speak inglese , huh?
Well, let me ask you this, Miss.
Is everything you say
always true?
Must be a terrible burden...
I do my best.
As do I.
And the truth is,
the American West
was much more violent
than our little circus here.
Terrible, in fact.
But terrible things must be done
in the name of progress.
No great nation was ever
founded without violence.
But is it glorious
to win with blood?
[Indistinct conversations]
What an interesting question.
You know, Miss...
...if you don't mind
my saying...
...I think you could be a star.
-[chuckles]
-And I know how to pick 'em.
I don't know what it is,
but you've got it...
But I think you need
a different costume.
You don't seem
comfortable in that one.
I like it,
-it's just a little bit tight.
-Mm.
[man] Bill! You met my wife.
[Buffalo Bill] Oh!
[man]
French women talk too much.
[chuckles] Oh, I see, well...
Forgive me, sir,
but I do find your wife's
curiosity very refreshing.
Enchant, madame.
[chuckles]
Speaking of refreshing,
what say we go to the bar,
shall we?
-This way.
-Ah!
Very good, now, as I was saying,
ya'll people think
they want the truth,
but what they really want
is a good story.
And they're willing to pay
good money for it,
I can tell you that.
-Whiskey doppio!
-[door squeaks]
You know, they wanna
come hear a story
they want to hear
about themselves.
And to see the finest cowboys
on God's green earth.
[chuckles]
Finest horsemen in the world.
[liquid pouring]
Gracias. [glass thuds]
The best cowboys in the world
are in his stable.
Hmm, well,
I'm sure your Italian cowherders
are quite special, sir,
but they wouldn't stand
the ghost of a chance
against my cowboys.
Sorry?
I think he's challenging you.
He loves to bet.
[thud]
He loves to bet?
You're gonna bet
against my boys, is that right?
Boys, you won't believe
what I just heard!
You're gonna
regret that bet, sir.
Can you imagine
the temerity of it?
This fella here
wants to bet against you.
Put these cowboys
here in Italy up against you.
The sheer temerity of it!
I've never heard of anything
so ridiculous in my whole life.
-Hold on to that, slim.
-[intriguing music]
Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.
Sorry to interrupt the party,
but I've got
one hundred dollars here
for anyone who thinks
they can best
my cowboys at horsemanship.
It's a big bet for a big ride.
Who is in?
[music increases]
[indistinct conversations]
[inaudible]
[music continues]
-[whistle]
-[music stops]
[music continues]
[metal clanking]
You asked for and you got it.
Our last big,
unplanned act of the day.
Alright.
This is how it's going to go.
There will be two six men team.
One team of Americans,
one team of Italians.
Two wild horses.
The best nag these Italians
can provide
and an American Mustang.
-They must... lasso,
-[horse neighs]
subdue, saddle
and ride this wild beast
in the shortest time possible.
Alright, boys, you're ready?
-[door closes]
-[music stops]
[thuds]
[horse neighs]
[horse neighs and kicks]
[chuckles]
[horse neighs]
[sighs]
[horse neighs]
[suspenseful music]
[indistinct chatter
in background]
[music turns dramatic]
[horse neighs]
[Buffalo Bill] You know
what makes a true cowboy?
There we go!
There we go!
It ain't luck,
I can tell you that.
A cowboy must be
tough, of course.
[muffled thud]
[crowd cheering]
[grunts]
But he must also know
the mind of a horse.
They must be brave
and pure of character...
[music fades lightly]
because a horse knows a liar
without even seeing a man.
[clicks]
[music continues]
[horse neighs]
[indistinct conversations]
[horse neighs]
[indistinct chatter]
[chatter continues]
[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[Buffalo Bill] A horse knows
the true heart of a man
and sees straight through
wicked man.
A cowboy must be
champion of the weak.
[horse neighs]
Oh!
And be pure of heart.
He must have
the strength of a man...
but the innocence of a boy.
[music fades]
[wind blowing]
That is what defines
a true cowboy.
[crowd cheering]
[applause]
[gentle music]
[cheering continues]
[music continues]
[applause continues]
[men cheering]
An unlikely result,
congratulations.
Come on, boys, let's beat it.
Come on, let's go,
excuse me ladies.
[horse neighs]
[whistling]
[sighs]
[whistling continues]
[horse neighs]
[door opens, squeaks]
[grunts softly]
-[thud]
-[grunts]
[slap]
[slap]
[eerie music]
[breathing heavily]
[gunshot]
[horse neighs]
[music stops]
[grunts in pain]
[breathing heavily]
[Santino in Italian]
[soft melancholic music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[Santino whistles]
[whistling continues]
[whistling stops]
[Rosa in Italian]
[fire crackling]
[indistinct animal sounds]
[soft thud]
[wind blowing]
[water splashes]
[breathing heavily]
[insects buzzing]
[breathing heavily]
[Rosa in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[sighs]
[dramatic music]
[breathing heavily]
[music continues]
[breathing heavily]
[music fades]
[man in Italian]
[dramatic music]
[water splashes]
[metal clanking]
[music intensifies]
[man continues in Italian]
[men singing in Italian]
[Santino grunting]
[music continues]
[gunshot]
[indistinct chatter]
[shutter clicks]
[Santino singing in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino chuckles]
[Rosa in Italian]
[soft guitar music]
[Santino whistling]
[horse neighs]
[horse blowing]
[Santino whistling]
-[music fades]
-[whistling stops]
[soft melancholic music]
[music continues]
-[music fades]
-[inaudible]
[dogs barking at distance]
[barking continues]
[coughs]
[dramatic percussion]
[barking continues]
[dramatic upbeat music]
[barking continues]
[music continues]
[thunder roars]
[dogs barking]
[horse neighs]
[music continues]
[Santino in Italian]
-[screams]
-[horse neighs]
[music continues]
-[music fades]
-[dog barking]
[Ercole's father in Italian]
He fooled us enough.
Well, with all due
respect, sir...
I can't help you.
You and my debauched son
made a mess with your bet.
And now...
he's dead.
Well, I did not kill your son.
"Buffalo Bill is an exploiter
of the Indians,
a fraud, an impostor,
a shameless inventor
of fairy tales,
a false hero,
scoundrel and a drunk."
-Want me to go on?
-No, that won't be necessary.
Now, a drunk I would debate,
but the rest of this
is bullshit and you know it.
-Good day.
-[Ercole's father] Bill!
You're not out of fashion...
...yet.
What do you want
from me, Mr. Rup?
I want you...
to bring that woman back to me.
Bring her to me
and every damn newspaper
in this country
will have your name
on the front page.
"Buffalo Bill catches
the bastard...
...and saves the dame."
Mm.
Not bad.
Not bad.
Not bad at all.
Yes, that might make
a very fine tale.
[sighs]
Well, I hate to spoil
the love story, Johnny,
but it's time to saddle up,
we're back in the money.
Miss...
[melancholic piano music]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 2. To the rescue.
The outlaw
had dragged his prisoner
-to a malarial swamp
-[rain pouring]
to try and hide their tracks.
But such evasions
can't fool a great tracker.
I've faced gators,
timber rattlers,
snapping turtles and more,
lurking in similar
muddy waters.
[Santino in Italian]
[Buffalo Bill] And though
the land may be different...
...the spirit of this
expedition remains the same.
-[water splashes]
-[grunts]
With the courage and conduct
that only
the gallant possess...
...we set forth...
...to save our Rose.
[frogs croaking]
[indistinct animal noises]
[snake hissing]
[snake hissing]
[Santino in Italian]
[Rosa in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[sighs]
[indistinct animal sounds]
[Santino in Italian]
[insects buzzing]
[Rosa in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[birds flapping wings]
[ominous music]
[thunder roars]
[rain pouring]
[thunder roars]
[thunder roars]
[whistle]
[man in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[sighs]
[clears throat]
[bottle thuds]
[Santino in Italian]
[sipping]
[cup thuds]
[cup thuds]
[cup thuds]
[sighs]
[man in Italian]
[Santino] Ah...
[sighs]
[cup thuds]
[sipping]
[cup thuds]
[cup thuds]
[rain pouring]
[Rosa in Italian]
[grunts]
[sighs]
[chuckles softly]
[Santino in Italian]
[thunder roars]
[chuckles]
[soft melancholic music]
[kiss]
-[heavy breathing]
-[soft moaning]
[music continues]
[heavy breathing continues]
[soft chuckles]
[Rosa in Italian]
[music fades]
[kiss]
[thunder roars]
[door closes]
[grunts]
[humming]
[urinating]
[eerie music]
Hmm.
[sighs]
[continues humming]
[continues humming]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[grunts softly]
[birds chirping]
[animals grunting]
[water running]
[suspenseful music]
[frogs croaking]
[music continues]
[frogs croaking]
[frogs croaking]
-[frogs croaking]
-[music increases]
[music fades]
[whistling]
[mutters indistinctly]
[whistling]
[whistling continues]
[whistling continues]
[horse neighs]
[whistling continues]
[Rosa in Italian]
[horse neighs]
[dramatic music]
[Rosa panting]
[music continues]
[man whistling]
[sighs]
[man in Italian]
[intriguing music]
[sniffles]
[thudding]
[grunts]
[grunts]
[insects buzzing]
[scoffs, sighs]
[man in Italian]
[chains rattle]
[music intensifies]
Hmm.
[chains rattle]
[scoffs]
[chuckles]
[chains rattle]
[music continues]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 3.
A startling discovery.
[footsteps approaching]
[thunder roars]
[Buffalo Bill]
Johnny! Look here.
You walked right past that.
You see that twig?
That's a broken twig. You know
what that means, don't you?
That means they walked
right through here.
Now, every single thing
on the ground is a clue for us.
There, look closer.
Just because you can't see it
doesn't mean it's not there.
You see that, Johnny?
Lot of hidden truths out here,
write that in our journal.
Folks will think we're damn
poets when they read it.
[chuckles]
Mark my words, boy,
this is gonna be quite a story.
Hell, might be the finest
dime-store novel ever written!
True bravery
is not the lack of fear...
but the strength
to keep going in spite of it.
So be the hero
of your own story.
-[banging on door]
-Just like Buffalo Bill Cody.
[guard in Italian]
[Rosa in Italian]
[guard in Italian]
[lock clicking]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[guard in Italian]
[chains rattle, thud]
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[music increasing]
[keys rattle, thud]
[Rosa in Italian]
[music continues]
[guard in Italian]
[guard speaking Italian]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[loud explosion]
[man speaking Spanish]
[in Italian]
[in Spanish]
[coughing]
[man continues shouting
in Spanish]
[Santino in Italian]
-[chains rattle]
-[grunting]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[snaps fingers]
[grunts softly]
[laughter]
[chuckles softly]
[both chuckle]
[crowd cheering]
-[whistles]
-[crowd goes quiet]
[muttering]
[grunts]
[all cheering]
[laughter]
[clamoring]
[gunshots]
[clamoring continues]
[chuckles]
[kiss]
Hm...
[shutter clicks]
[upbeat accordion music]
[singing in Italian]
[crowd cheering]
[men cheering]
[loud cheering]
[cheering]
[laughter]
[burping]
[gunshot]
[music continues]
[chuckling]
[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[Santino continues singing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering and laughing]
[crowd cheering and laughing]
-[crowd goes quiet]
-[music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering and laughing]
[crowd cheering]
Santino!
[crowd cheering]
Huh?
[Santino scoffs]
[chuckles]
-[thud]
-[grunts]
[sighs]
Huh...
[sighs]
[sighs]
[Rosa sighs]
[soft thud]
[Rosa sobs]
[Santino groans]
[sniffles]
[sighs]
[cheering in background]
[thuds]
[music in background]
[gunshots
and glass shattering]
[Rosa screams]
-[screams]
-[gunshots continue]
[gunshot]
[grunts]
-[gunshot]
-[scream]
-[scream]
-[gunshot]
[grunt]
[gunshots]
[Rosa screaming]
-[gunshot]
-[grunt]
[gunshots]
-[Santino in Italian]
-[Rosa screaming]
[gunshots]
[hen clucking]
[gunshots]
-[gunshot]
-[screaming]
-[gunshots]
-[screaming]
[gunshots]
-[gunshots]
-[screams]
[gunshots]
[horse neighs]
[gunshots]
-[gunshot]
-[grunt]
[muffled grunting]
[gasps]
[groaning]
[melancholic music]
[gasps]
[gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[Buffalo Bill]
Chapter 4.
So long and farewell.
[screaming]
[soft melancholic music]
[grunting, panting]
[groaning]
[Buffalo Bill] Oh! Oh!
Oh!
What a beautiful baby
you have here.
Oh!
What will his future be like?
And yours?
Here, here.
Here.
There, there...
Yeah.
Here, here...
Here you are...
Yeah, there.
[shushing]
Well?
Will you seize the opportunity
or will you let someone else
decide your faith?
Hm?
Look what you've created.
Look what you
brought into the world.
[music distorting]
What will you make of it?
Hm?
[he bleats]
[bleating]
[men laughing]
[Midas in Italian]
[man in Italian]
[both sigh]
[snaps fingers]
[man chuckles]
[bleating]
[chuckling]
[laughter]
[sighs]
[both chuckle]
[laughter]
[whistling]
[eerie music]
[crate thuds]
[music continues]
[Rosa gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[man in Italian]
[music continues]
-[spits]
-[Midas in Italian]
[glass shatters]
[Thirty Vizi in Italian]
[Midas in Italian]
[grunting]
[water running]
[Midas in Italian]
[Thirty Vizi grunts]
[both men grunting]
-[grunts]
-[groaning]
[grunts]
[grunting continues]
[coughing]
[gunshot]
[eerie music]
[music continues]
[music turns intriguing]
[music continues]
[sighs]
[screaming]
[shushing]
[thunder roars]
[clicking tongue]
[imitating a crow's caw]
[Buffalo Bill]
Brother crow...
[caws]
I'm looking for someone.
[imitating a crow's caw]
Can you help me?
[clicking tongue]
[crow cawing]
Johnny, you won't believe
what he just told me.
[crows cawing]
Shoo!
[crows cawing]
[Santino] Ah...
[gasps]
[Santino continues
in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[insects buzzing]
[Santino in Italian]
Hmm...
[Santino singing in Italian]
[dramatic piano music]
[Buffalo Bill]
We followed the bird's advice.
But what we discovered
would make me question
my very sanity.
[crow cawing]
Like the legend of El Muerto.
He was left to roam for weeks
as a warning to other outlaws.
Some say his ghost
still wanders the borderlands.
When the moon is full.
Well Johnny,
we found most of him.
Crow was right!
[music continues]
[metallic thud]
[music continues]
[explosion]
[music fades]
[lighter clicks]
[dramatic suspenseful music]
[gasps]
[muffled scream]
[music increases, then halts]
[flies buzzing]
[grunts]
[gagging sound]
[spits]
[panting]
[both grunt]
[chuckles]
[grunts]
Huh?
[sobbing]
[sighs]
[crying]
[chuckles]
[sighs]
[dramatic music]
[gun clicks]
[gunshot]
[music continues]
[gun thuds]
[grunts]
[melancholic music]
[Buffalo Bill] The wind,
the rain, the grind...
[man chuckles]
She had never slept
under the stars before,
never walked this long
without stopping.
A life for the strong
to be sure.
But damned if it ain't a life
for the lonely as well.
You see, in the end,
what are we left with?
Only the ones
who touched our hearts.
[Santino in Italian]
[grunting]
[grunts, then sighs]
[Santino in Italian]
[music continues]
[bush rustling]
[music continues]
[Santino in Italian]
[Santino in Italian]
[music fades]
[sighs]
[cries]
[Santino in Italian]
[Rosa sniffles]
[sighs]
[sniffles]
[sobbing]
[gentle music]
[Buffalo Bill]
I met her out west
Where the bristlecones grow
A little bird singing
So soft and so low
Her eyes shined like diamonds
They're perched in a tree
She gently descended
And then followed me
We rode together
Through thick
And through thin
We laughed in the sunshine
We hid from the rain
My feathered companion
The bird touched my heart
When evening descended
I knew we must part
So fly little birdie
Yes, take to the wing
A song you have written
A song you must sing
The doggies retire
And head for the hay
Fly with me, birdie
We'll be on our way
She whistled, "Cowboy
Don't you tie me down"
I belong to the sky
And I cannot be bound
And with that she took off
And faded from view
-[neighing]
-A free little birdie
Surrounded by blue
So fly little birdie
And long may you roam
You're meant for the blue
You ain't meant
To stay home
I'll bid you farewell
With a tear in my eye
-So fly little birdie
-[screams]
To wide open sky
[music ends]
[horse neighs]
[Buffalo Bill] Did you really
think I wouldn't find ya?
You must be dreaming!
[chuckles]
Johnny, go gather some firewood!
Look at you.
[chuckles softly]
You must be cold.
Jiggs up, mademoiselle.
You're safe now,
with old Bill Cody.
You know, Miss...
The more I think about it...
the more I think...
there must have been
something more going on
between you and that cowboy
than people realize.
[crows cawing]
Because...
you wouldn't have
gotten this far
being an uncooperative hostage.
But here's the good news,
I won't mention it.
Not to your father-in-law,
not to anyone.
If you come back with me,
you can tell them
any story you want.
And I'll...
I'll return you
to your life of comfort.
It looks like the fellow
that killed your husband
has already paid the price.
[footsteps approaching]
This is the perfect ending
for the story, isn't it?
I'm not going back.
I won't let anyone
take me anywhere anymore.
I killed my husband...
....and I will kill you,
if I have to.
Well, well.
You see,
there is something about you.
I am impressed with you, miss.
Well, I must admit you've got
the jump on me right now.
But one of us,
maybe both of us...
Maybe all three of us...
are going to end up
getting shot, if this continues.
That's how these things tend
to work out in my experience.
And I think that would be
a shame, don't you?
So, if you don't mind, I'd like
to propose another option.
No, no, don't get jumpy.
What say,
we let faith settle this?
See, I'll flip this coin...
and if it comes up heads...
well, we'll have ourselves
a good old gun battle.
But if it comes up tails,
we go our separate ways
and pretend this little
meeting never happened.
What'd you say?
[dramatic upbeat music]
[soft chuckle]
You rely too much
on luck, Mr. Cody.
Is it ever righteous
to win with blood?
You know the interesting thing
about heads or tails, miss,
is what you wish for
while the coin
tumbles through the air.
[high-pitched ring]
[metal clanking]
[music continues]
[Buffalo Bill]
She felt she had it all.
An elegant home,
a polite smile,
a happy marriage.
But fate had others plans.
Her husband was gunned down
in cold blood.
The gutless murderer
by the name of Santo
shot his boss
and kidnapped his wife.
The oldest story of them all.
Now she gazed
into her captor's devilish eyes
and saw
the blood-red mouth of a lion.
She screamed,
her cries so wild and frantic
that the entire grandstand
rushed to see
what had happened.
This delicate rose was taken...
in a cowardly manner.
Against her will.
Plucked from her
beautiful garden.
[music stops abruptly]
[paper rustles]
[crackling]
[grunts]
[soft thud]
Et voil.
[laughs]
[Rosa in Italian]
[sighs]
[lock clicks]
[dramatic music]
[gunshot]
[gasping for air]
[music stops]
[waves crashing]
[soft melancholic music]
[shoveling]
[Rosa in Italian]
[flies buzzing]
[scoffs]
[continues shoveling]
[music fades]
[flies continue buzzing]
[flies buzzing]
[Rosa in Italian]
[chuckles]
[flies buzzing]
[melancholic music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[gentle music]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music fades]