The Shooter (1997) Movie Script
(dramatic music)
Many a time I've sat down
and tried to conjure up the words
to accurately describe
what I'm telling you now.
Some how, I've never been able
to sufficiently do the story justice.
But what's to follow is the story
of revenge, never a warm subject,
but, as you will soon see,
a subject so worth telling.
It's how one man's bravery
was another man's cross to bear,
and how the little town of
Kingston happened to get in the way.
(dramatic music)
(woman yells)
You know I hate doing this to you,
darling, but we gotta maintain order,
and there are rules to follow.
That one hurt, didn't it?
You screamed real good that time.
Wait till you feel this one.
This ain't got nothing
to do with you, mister.
You know what's best for
you, you'll be moving along.
What is it you want, mister?
Untie the girl.
(laughter)
(gunfire)
(dramatic music)
Can I take you anywhere?
I said can I take you anywhere?
Wait.
(dramatic music)
(thuds and grunts)
Get in there. Come on.
Hit him again.
Come on.
Come one, give it to him.
Get him.
Hit him with a board.
Get up.
(yells)
All right.
What the hell happened?
We was out past Hannan Creek
doing what you told us to do,
and this man came up.
What man?
I don't know. Stranger.
What about the girl?
He took her with him.
I think they were heading in towards town.
How did you get away, Ed?
I was up in the rocks with
the horses, standing guard.
And you mean you didn't see
the man who murdered my son?
You're a goddamn liar, Ed.
(gunshots)
I see you've already heard.
I didn't want to be the one,
especially at this time, but...
- there's some things in town...
- Paul, I'm sure everything,
you have to say to me is very relevant...
But at this particular moment
in my life, I don't give a damn.
I don't want to hear
anything you have to say.
The only thing I want to hear from you.
Who murdered my boy and why?
You go find that man now.
(dramatic music)
Vince, I swear on my bones
I'm going to find that man.
And he will, by God, pay.
I'm going to miss you, Vince.
Saloon's over there.
So, how's your books coming there, Jacob?
Not as well as I'd like.
Seems like every great
story's already been told.
You hold it right there.
Where the hell you've been?
Been where you told me to be.
What'd you do this time?
He just shot Vince Krants.
Gina!
Get over here and fix her.
Damn woman are more trouble
than they're worth sometimes.
What can I get for you, mister?
Whiskey.
I don't believe I caught your name.
Atherton.
Michael Atherton.
Go get the sheriff.
Mind if I join you?
I couldn't help but overhearing
that you said your name
was Michael Atherton?
What's it to you?
It is nothing to that effect
sir, I can assure you.
I am a writer.
I merely chronicle gunfighters,
the most notable of our time.
You nearly scared me to death.
Sheriff, Mr. Duncan wanted
me to pass on a message.
What is it?
I've heard a great deal
about your accomplishments.
I've read a lot about you.
- So, I was just wondering if perhaps...
- You.
What I hear true?
Depends on what you heard.
The bartender here, he says
you've gone and killed Vincent Krants.
Never heard that name.
So you're saying you didn't?
No, I'm just saying I don't know that name.
I didn't travel no 500
miles to lose no bounty
to some lucky son of a bitch.
I don't know anything
about no bounty, neither.
I guess Vincent Krants
wasn't much of nothing at all
if your yellow ass put him down.
You still thirsty?
Then pay the man.
Just a minute there, partner.
Take your gun away from my friend.
From here I can blow your
head clean off, and I will.
He ain't kidding, stranger.
(thuds and yells)
Thought you could use some help.
Nobody do a goddamn thing.
That's him, sheriff.
That's the man who killed Vincent.
And you were just having a
drink, minding your own business?
I do not interfere in other folk's matters.
It's not gentlemanly.
But when it's unfair, And were
you with Mr. Atherton earlier?
I'm just passing though your
town here on my way to Tucson.
Business proposition.
Mr. Atherton's is all
alone on his prior dealing.
If that's all, I'll be going.
Certainly.
There is one more thing,
didn't quite catch your name.
Tapert.
Kyle Tapert.
- If there isn't anything more...
- Actually, Mr. Atherton,
there is something we'd
like to discuss with you.
You mind sitting down?
Old Jacob here has told
us an awful lot about you.
I've studied all the best.
I am quite familiar with your work.
So you've told me.
Let me get right to the point.
There's a reward for what you've done.
For what?
Vincent Krants.
You familiar with him?
Surely you're familiar with
his daddy, Jerry Krants.
Jerry Krants is the dirtiest
no-good son of a bitch,
to ever infest in the territory.
Mayor, this is Michael Atherton.
Michael, allow me to
introduce Mayor Pete Sayers.
Just call me Gentleman Pete,
Mr. Atherton. Everybody does.
Have you told him?
No, I was just fixing to.
I took an oath to uphold
the law of these parts,
so it is my duty to award you this bounty.
It's a substantial sum.
It's $10,000.
That's a lot of money.
It's a bargain in comparison to
what Vincent's done... him, his father,
and his whole goddamned gang.
But that isn't what concerns me.
The Krants gang is...
How should I put this?
They're like an instutution in this town.
Krants stakes his claim,
and if we don't bother him,
he pretty much leavus us alone.
Sort of an agreement between the two of us.
Mr. Atherton, I don't think you
completely understand the situation.
Jerry Krants is not going
to take this lying down.
That's his only son you killed.
When he finds out, he's
gonna come looking for answers,
and when he doesn't find
any, a lot of innocent people
in this town are gonna suffer.
It's our fault for letting go like we did.
Krants gang's gotten stronger,
and we've just gotten weaker.
Sheriff here and Casey are
the only lawmen we've got.
There isn't any way we can fend
off Krants, and his gang by ourselves.
I'm asking and frankly expecting,
your assistance in this matter.
The reward for Jerry
Krants is same as Vincent's,
but you bring him in
for us, we'll double it.
Mr. Mayor, Sheriff, I like to
help, But I'm not a hired gun.
I don't enjoy killing people.
Like I said, I was just passing through.
Before the war, Michael Atherton
was a pretty famous lawman
In Pennsylvania.
In the army he never advanced
any farther than a foot soldier,
despite his deeds.
He was captured by the
Confederacy, and then he escaped.
After that, never heard much about him.
He just disappeared.
This is the first I've heard
about him in seven, eight years.
I wonder where he's
been hiding all these years.
You just get some rest now.
I'll be back to check on you.
Watch the bar for a bit.
I'll be back.
Whiskey, please.
Hold your horses.
Someone here to see you, darling.
You can tell that damn Duncan,
I ain't up for nothing right now.
I don't think he's here for tricks.
I came by to see if
you was all right is all.
As fine as can be expected, I guess.
Actually, it's kind of good to
get a break from, you know...
for a little bit, anyway.
This here's for you.
What is it?
Bounty money.
Bounty money?
Vincent Krants?
How much?
Sheriff says $10,000.
I don't want it.
Pardon?
I said I don't want it.
Don't you speak english?
I am not for sale.
Not for you, Jerry Krants, Duncan, nobody.
Nobody owns me.
Nobody.
Like I said, I just came by
to see if you was okay is all.
I'll be on my way.
I'm here. What do you got?
He's only been in town a day,
but all he's done is crowd Wendy.
I think that's something
Mr. Krants ought to know...
I'll decide what Mr. Krants needs to know.
Pete paid him the bounty on Vincent.
It's $10,000.
And the word out is he's been
offered double that to bring in Jerry.
That so?
I ain't heard nothing for sure.
I mean, it's though enough
getting what I got already.
I need a name.
Some fast shot from back East I
ain't never heard of... Atherton, I think.
That's it.
Michael Atherton is in Kingston?
You know him?
But I heard.
Way Pete's acting, you'd think
Wyatt Earp himself just rode in.
He may as well have.
Who'd have thought.
Michael Atherton.
This fella Atherton, he's famous.
Never heard of him.
He was a war hero.
Fought for the North, maybe that's why.
He was an escaped prisoner,
helped take down the
South's stronghold in Columbia.
Cleared the way for Sherman to march
on in and burn Atlanta to the ground.
Pretty much disappeared from the
face of the earth these last few years.
Story had it, that day he
made his break, he killed
15 Confederate soldiers singlehanded.
Fifteen Confederate
soldiers all by himself?
Took care of Vince and the others
without breaking a sweat's what I heard.
Paul, those men that died were
family One of them was blood.
This was my son, Paul.
I don't like you taking it so lightly.
Do you understand me, Paul?
All right. Okay, Paul.
How'd you find out all
this stuff about this man?
It's what you pay me to find out.
So, they went out and they
hired themselves a shooter.
What are they paying him?
Offer's double for your head.
Double. Just double?
I say we hit the town hard, teach
them a lesson they won't forget.
I got something special
planned for the town.
I'm going to throw a real party
for that war hero, believe me.
Fifteen men.
I don't know why I've
been so damn lucky today.
Hold it.
I think we need to recount those cards.
I know what you're saying to yourselves.
Cheater, right?
With your luck, I'd cry foul as well.
The fact is I've been on
the up and up with you boys.
Nothing up my sleeve.
You're just bad card players, and I
think it's time you excused yourselves.
Not much with a gun, either, I see.
Least I could do.
Least you could do is nothing.
I'm more appreciative of this gesture.
You know, I've heard of you,
What you did during the
war, a few things after.
What are you doing here?
Just passing through, just like you.
Where you heading?
Go tell you the truth, I
haven't given it much thought.
Mind if I look at that peashooter?
I know guns pretty well,
and that is quite a piece.
.45 Scofield.
Ivory handle.
You know, they only made a few of these.
It's very nice.
It's pretty good.
You know, word's out the
town's willing to offer you
quite a handsome sum for particular bounty.
And how'd you hear about that?
You know how small towns are.
News travels fast.
You gonna stick around?
Could I offer you some advice?
To hell with these people.
They no more care about you than
some poor fool that rides into town.
They're just trying to get you
to do their work for them is all.
Maybe you're right.
(horses gallop) (dramatic music)
(gunshot)
(gunshot)
Sheriff, I want a word
with you if you please.
I didn't figure he'd want to talk to me.
Damn it, I know you Can hear me.
This whole damn town can hear me.
I'm going to make
this very simple, sheriff.
You give him to me...
I'm going to spare this town.
If I don't get him, I'll make a
graveyard out of this whole dump.
You hear me, and you hear me good, sheriff.
If I don't find him, nothing
or nobody will survive.
You here me, you bastard?
I know you can hear me.
Good luck.
You're supposed to be a war
hero, and you don't even have
the heart to come out here
and save these innocent souls.
There are no Yankee war
heroes, just goddamn cowards.
(dramatic music)
Well, Mr. War Hero, welcome to Kingston.
(gunshot) (horse neighs)
(gunfire)
Get out of here. Move!
Sweetheart, you're coming with me.
Get up.
I know you don't give
a damn about this town,
But I have something here that
I think you might just care for.
Tell him you're here, sweetness.
Come on, bitch.
Good.
Get this trash out of here.
Souds like a war hero.
I'm here.
Looks like.
Dead men don't need a gun.
You know where to take him.
And as quickly as this heroic
character came into our lives,
He was quickly taken from it.
The hope that Michael Atherton
symbolized was lost, gone forever.
No law-abiding man ever returned.
Only thing left to speculate
about now was what would be
in store for Kingston.
My turn.
Come on.
Get up.
Smash him.
One more.
I ran down this little valley
trailing the son of a bitch...
Hold it.
Where are you going?
I'm leaving.
O, really?
Aand exactly where do you plan on going?
Away from here.
You ain't going no place.
How much?
How much for what?
How much you let me leave?
How much you got?
This much.
Unfortunately, it's all lead.
She's going to pay for that.
(dramatic music)
Damn, son, you're a lot
tougher than I thought you were,
but I'm going to break you.
I swear to God I'm going to break you.
Hasn't that poor boy suffered enough?
You got a problem with my methods?
They're not the tactics of
civil society, That's for sure...
But then that's what
I like about you folks.
As you can see, I'm
quite busy at the moment.
Why don't you come back again?
No, I'll tell you something better.
When there's something you
want me to know, you tell Paul,
and that will save you a trip.
I get the feeling you don't want me around.
I pay you to do what the hell I
want you to do when I want you to.
Scat.
You don't remember me, do you?
Infamous escape, Columbia?
Ring any bells?
Better you than me, partner.
Better you than me.
(man yells)
Looks like a storm's coming in, Boss.
What do you want us to do with him now?
I think he looks just fine where he is.
You killed my son.
You hear me, boy.
An eye for an eye, a tooth
for a tooth, and blood for blood.
We think this is just the start.
For now, yes, he'll settle for Atherton,
but eventually his revenge
will not be limited to just him.
He'll blame everyone and
everything, this town in particular.
We lost our only lawman worth a damn today.
He won't be easy to replace.
We've recruited a few boys to lend a hand
until Casey feels better, but
they're going to need some guidance.
Will you help us?
Why me, if you don't mind my asking?
You don't know me from Adam.
You're not a bad gunman in
your own right's what I've heard.
I ain't no Atherton, though, am I?
Along with what you
did in town the other day
In defense of Atherton I feel more
than comfortable asking what I'm asking.
Frankly, we're desperate.
By the time the government
assigns a Marshal to this town,
I'm afraid it may be too late.
You know, Mr. Mayor, I've become
quite fond of your little town here.
I'd find it a privilege and an
honor to be It's next Sheriff.
So, just like that they give
controle of the town to this stranger?
I think old Pete knows what he's doing.
At least I hope he does.
(thunder)
(dramatic music)
Wendy, what the hell are you doing here?
I needed some things.
You better be quick and getting back
to wherever It Is you've been hiding.
Duncan got real angry after you
left, Got kind of hard on us for a while.
I'm so sorry about that.
Don't be.
None of the girls blame you for leaving.
They just blame themselves for staying.
I sure have missed you.
I miss you too.
Why haven't you moved on?
Got me a place in Saban Wash instead.
Nothing around for miles.
Miss Gina, see you at our
usual time this evening?
Looking forward to it, Mr. Mayor.
The mere thought of it...
You can't let him see you.
Not now.
Duncan went and got
the new Sheriff to post...
New Sheriff?
It sure has been a long time.
Right after the shooting we got a new one.
Tapert, Kyle Tapert.
Who's Kyle Tapert?
You don't understand, do you?
There's a bounty out on your head.
Duncan went ahead and
hat the new Sheriff post it.
You can't stay here anymore.
It's too dangerous.
Take care.
Take care of yourself.
All right. Go.
Hope you don't mind.
Did you eat?
How are you feeling?
Hungry.
I guess Vincent Krantz
wasn't much of nothing
at all, yo yo, ass-punching time.
(gunshot)
First is $10,000.
I said I don't want it,
don't you speak English?
(laughter)
Better you than me, partner.
Frankly, I'm expecting
assistance in this matter.
What is it?
(dramatic music)
Is that you, Sheriff?
It is.
Come in.
I take it this ain't how you got
your nickname "Gentleman."
I don't know what happened.
She... she was laughing.
And then you killed her.
Looks like a terrible accident.
I didn't mean to kill her, Sheriff.
You got to believe me.
I didn't mean to do it.
I know you didn't.
Just try and calm down.
A might young, don't you think, Mayor?
Pete, I don't want you
to keep fretting about this.
She's insignificant, and
she won't be missed.
You have to keep it together.
You've got way too
much responsibility resting
on your shoulders to worry
about some two-bit whore.
You trusted me to run
this town, didn't you?
Didn't you?
Good. We'll just let this be our little
secret between me and you. But...
No buts, no buts.
Nothing else to say.
You just leave this to me.
We're going to run this town the
right way, the way it oughta be, my way,
and this is how we take
care of our own in my town.
Now, you go get yourself cleaned up.
Now.
(gunshot)
(gunshot)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
Going somewhere?
I can see you've been getting better.
A bit.
So won't be long before you're ready.
I suppose not.
You got a plan, or are you gonna fire
at them like they're tin cans on a fence?
Haven't given it much thought.
You better, 'cause they ain't tin
cans, and they're going to fire back,
and there's a hell of a lot
more of them that there is you.
Are you hearing me?
You don't have to prove yourself to them.
You can stay here with me.
What difference is it going
to make getting yourself killed
for something you can't change?
I know about Sara.
I know how you must feel.
I'm not trying to take her place.
- I just... - You don't know how I feel.
You don't.
So you're going to go to
war for a bunch of strangers
that don't give a damn about you?
I ain't fighting nobody's war.
It ain't about right.
It ain't about wrong.
What is it about?
I don't know.
(dramatic music)
So, what do you want?
I thought I told them to tell you tomorrow.
They did.
I figured why wait.
Where is everybody?
Out.
Keepsake?
That's right.
Nice piece.
Yeah, it's kind of hard
to get rounds for, though.
It's a beaut.
You like it?
Take it.
So, what do you want?
That's the second time you've
barked at me in my home.
Forgive me.
What can I do for you?
I'd like for you to explain yourself to me.
In what sense?
I hear there's a new tax in town, true?
You see, I cannot remember
having okayed a new tax.
But you are going to include me in
your newfound fortune, are you not?
Yes. Of course.
Get the hell out of here.
Read them and weep.
It's a good thing you boys are better
gun hands than you are card players.
What is that now, three in a row?
Even the forces of nature ain't
gonna stop me tonight, ladies.
(gunfire)
Can't be.
That better not be you, Tapert.
I killed you.
You're dead.
Go ahead and kill me.
I'm not going to kill you.
You killed yourself.
I know something is up,
Sheriff, and I need your help.
How can I help you?
Tell me so I can go Home.
Haven't you heard a word I said?
Gina's been missing now for three days.
The last time I seen her was at the bar.
She was telling them other
girls she'd seen that other whore,
the one we've been looking for,
right here in this town not a day prior.
I am losing money left and right
with all these whores getting up
and moving on like this.
Someone is trying to do me in,
and I think they're all in it together.
Duncan, listen to me.
I know you're hurting, but what do
you want me to do about it tonight?
I figure with all the money
I've been kicking back to you,
It'd be worth a little inconvenience.
What are you doing here?
I got some news can't wait.
Whatever it is can.
Krants is dead.
What happened?
Son of a bitch burst into the barn
and started shooting up a storm.
Took us out like we was nothing.
Killed everybody there.
When I went outside after,
that's when I found Jerry
lying on the porch dead.
That crazy son of a bitch was gone.
Who did it?
It couldn't have been the man I saw.
It just couldn't.
Damn it, who was it?
Atherton.
It was Michael Atherton, the man we killed.
Left for dead.
Are you sure?
Why would I lie?
It was him or his ghost.
Either one, it's the man I saw there.
I can't believe it.
Jerry Krants dead?
Hold your thinking there, Duncan.
It can't be.
I mean, you all saw him die.
We strung him up good.
A couple of us went out a few
days later, couldn't find no body.
Just figured the buzzards and coyotes
had themselves a nice Yankee supper.
What the hell is going on, Sherrif?
Duncan, I'm not going to
tell you again to shut up.
Who else saw Atherton out there?
Anyone who saw him there is dead.
How many lives does this man have?
You said Tapert was the Sheriff.
How many Deputies they got?
I don't know.
I know it don't matter much...
But I love you.
(dramatic music)
Words get out that Atherton's
killed Krants, he's going
To be so high and mighty
nobody will ever bring him down.
This is not how it's supposed to be.
What do you want me to do?
Can't you see what he's doing?
He's hunting us.
The son of a bitch stole my idea.
What we have to do id
find him before he gets
bigger than he ever was, and destroy him,
from top to bottom, and I know how.
Yeah? Where the hell is he?
Duncan, that whore Atherton gave the
money to, she say where she was living?
Good.
(dramatic music)
(yells)
(thunder)
(dramatic music)
Do you know what time it is?
2:30?
That isn't what I mean.
What is it that can't wait till morning?
You're a church-going
man, aren't you, Mayor?
Of course.
You remember the passage in
the Bible when God told Abraham
to sacrifice his child?
In that case, it was just
a test, but the point being,
for every cause there has to
be someone willing to sacrifice.
You understand?
That's Atherton's gun.
Where'd you get it?
Where I got this should be of
little concern to you right now.
It's what I'm planning to do with
it that you should worry about.
(gunshot) (bangs)
Mrs. Sayers, I can't tell you
how embarrassing this is for me.
Somebody ought to fetch the Sheriff.
A man's been killed.
Sorry to get you boys up so early.
I know it's still a couple
hours before dawn,
but I felt I had to do something
quick before we lose this one
I'm afraid I have some
disturbing news for you.
Our dear Mayor has been murdered.
The Mayor?
We know the whereabouts of the perpetrator,
and it shames me to be
the one to tell you this, but...
It's someone we all know,
someone we've admired greatly.
He was made to withstand
a terrible punishment
and then somehow miraculously survived.
Unfortunately, he blames
everything and everybody in this town,
including our dear Mayor
and his innocent, lovely wife.
His name is Michael Atherton.
How he survived after
being turned over to Krants
is a mystery to me, but
war hero or no war hero,
his brand of justice cannot go unanswered.
It was blatantly misguided
and foolishly executed,
as a witness saw the whole damn thing.
Let's show him how we take
care of our own here in Kingston.
(dramatic music)
Go. Get... get in!
Got it!
We got him.
Get him off me.
What do you have?
It's a mess.
A real mess.
That it is.
We've all heard the legend.
Mr. Finch, what gun in particular does
the famous Michael
Atherton wear on his side?
Michael Atherton?
He's dead.
Just answer the question.
Scofield .45.
Specially made, ivory handle.
The brutality of this crime is beyond me.
Revenge is an ugly sight.
Are you saying Michael Atherton's alive?
Alive and very much well.
To those of you who may not
have heard, this is no accident.
You take a look at our dear
Mayor's body, you'll see he was shot.
Murdered.
And I'll bet you my last
dollar you're gonna find
a Scofield .45 slug inside.
I don't believe it.
Don't take my word for it.
What kind is it?
Scofield .45.
Why don't we just ask him ourselves?
What kind of man does something like this?
Can you tell us your
whereabouts last night?
How did you survive all that time?
Must've been tough.
Dis any of you ever hear of
anybody escaping from Jerry Krants?
Of course not.
Not unless you made
some sort of deal with him.
That's why you killed Pete.
Did he pay you too?
You make me sick.
Get him out of my sight.
Bury him.
Death by hanging.
That's what the majority's calling for,
And I'm just carrying out
the wishes of the masses.
I am just a public servant, you know.
You don't know how much joy
seeing you like this brings me.
All those years of looking
for you finally paid off.
Pays to be patient.
Pays to be patient.
Still don't remember me?
Some legend you are.
Guess I wasn't as important
to you as you were to me.
See, you gave me a souvenir,
so I'll always remember you.
It wasn't 15 men you killed single-handed.
It was 14, one survivor.
And no one remembers the
men who were killed that day
when you broke out of prison, but I do.
Every damn day.
And tomorrow when you
hang, not only will you die,
but a new legend will be born
and you won't be remembered
for any act of bravery, only as a killer.
You done yet?
When God puts the sun over
the horizon tomorrow morning,
It'll be time for you to swing.
And I give you my word of honor,
no matter how long it takes
no matter how much it cost,
I'm going to find that
little whore of yours
and treat her like she ought to be treated.
You know, my only regret here
is I don't get to kill you myself.
Oh, that would've been sweet.
Real sweet.
Son of a bitch.
Not much is known about Atherton's
escape from the Southern camp,
except for the basics.
None of the names of the
soldiers were ever released,
so I couldn't really say.
Legend has it at 15.
But is it possible?
Is it possible one survived?
Yeah, I'd say anything's possible,
but the records were destroyed, Deputy.
You want my opinion, I'd say
it's highly unlikely, but it's possible.
Let me ask you something.
Why all this sudden interest in
a story everybody knows about?
Because I think everybody
may just be a little bit wrong.
(knocking)
(dramatic music)
Come on.
I thought you might be coming by.
Since you just broke
out of jail, I figured you
and your accomplice here might
undoubtedly be seeking greener pastures.
Just to make everything official,
I brought a witness 'cause I
want everybody to know the truth
about what happens here today.
Or at least the truth as I give it to him.
Not so fast, Lightning.
You wouldn't want to shoot
me knowing the slightest change
in balance could lead to a very
unfortunate circumstance for the lady here.
You see, I came to
the realization last night
that I don't just want you
dead and your name ruined.
I want it all.
And I figured this way
I could have all that
and the satisfaction of killing you myself.
I reckon it is somewhat
unfair of me to be doing this,
keeping you off guard and all,
'cause I don't want you to be distracted
when you finally draw.
I want to know I've seen your best.
So...
(yells and chokes)
I got to hand it to you, Atherton.
You are indeed one hell of
a shot, even all crippled up.
But, unfortunately for you,
even the best shooter can't
do anything with no bullets.
Even a ignorant whore knows that.
(thuds and grunts)
(dramatic music)
(gunshot)
(horse neighs)
Where is he?
It's okay, he's dead.
You all right?
Deputy's coming.
It's all right, Mr. Atherton.
I know you're innocent.
I heard everything Tapert
said last night to you
and knew he'd been lying all along.
Couldn't really believe
he'd gone in with Krants,
But when I saw the jail cell door open
like that, I knew something weren't
right, so I come here to stop him.
Thank you.
(dramatic music)
Hey, Deputy, can you get me loose?
I reckon.
It was never determined whether or not
Kyle Tapert was who he claimed to be.
Later it was revealed that
wasn't even his real name.
So it goes.
As for Michael Atherton, he
pulled another disappearing act.
The man who singlehandedly
wiped out the krants gang
and saved a small western town.
Found what he had been searching
for for an incredibly long time, Peace.
(dramatic music)
Many a time I've sat down
and tried to conjure up the words
to accurately describe
what I'm telling you now.
Some how, I've never been able
to sufficiently do the story justice.
But what's to follow is the story
of revenge, never a warm subject,
but, as you will soon see,
a subject so worth telling.
It's how one man's bravery
was another man's cross to bear,
and how the little town of
Kingston happened to get in the way.
(dramatic music)
(woman yells)
You know I hate doing this to you,
darling, but we gotta maintain order,
and there are rules to follow.
That one hurt, didn't it?
You screamed real good that time.
Wait till you feel this one.
This ain't got nothing
to do with you, mister.
You know what's best for
you, you'll be moving along.
What is it you want, mister?
Untie the girl.
(laughter)
(gunfire)
(dramatic music)
Can I take you anywhere?
I said can I take you anywhere?
Wait.
(dramatic music)
(thuds and grunts)
Get in there. Come on.
Hit him again.
Come on.
Come one, give it to him.
Get him.
Hit him with a board.
Get up.
(yells)
All right.
What the hell happened?
We was out past Hannan Creek
doing what you told us to do,
and this man came up.
What man?
I don't know. Stranger.
What about the girl?
He took her with him.
I think they were heading in towards town.
How did you get away, Ed?
I was up in the rocks with
the horses, standing guard.
And you mean you didn't see
the man who murdered my son?
You're a goddamn liar, Ed.
(gunshots)
I see you've already heard.
I didn't want to be the one,
especially at this time, but...
- there's some things in town...
- Paul, I'm sure everything,
you have to say to me is very relevant...
But at this particular moment
in my life, I don't give a damn.
I don't want to hear
anything you have to say.
The only thing I want to hear from you.
Who murdered my boy and why?
You go find that man now.
(dramatic music)
Vince, I swear on my bones
I'm going to find that man.
And he will, by God, pay.
I'm going to miss you, Vince.
Saloon's over there.
So, how's your books coming there, Jacob?
Not as well as I'd like.
Seems like every great
story's already been told.
You hold it right there.
Where the hell you've been?
Been where you told me to be.
What'd you do this time?
He just shot Vince Krants.
Gina!
Get over here and fix her.
Damn woman are more trouble
than they're worth sometimes.
What can I get for you, mister?
Whiskey.
I don't believe I caught your name.
Atherton.
Michael Atherton.
Go get the sheriff.
Mind if I join you?
I couldn't help but overhearing
that you said your name
was Michael Atherton?
What's it to you?
It is nothing to that effect
sir, I can assure you.
I am a writer.
I merely chronicle gunfighters,
the most notable of our time.
You nearly scared me to death.
Sheriff, Mr. Duncan wanted
me to pass on a message.
What is it?
I've heard a great deal
about your accomplishments.
I've read a lot about you.
- So, I was just wondering if perhaps...
- You.
What I hear true?
Depends on what you heard.
The bartender here, he says
you've gone and killed Vincent Krants.
Never heard that name.
So you're saying you didn't?
No, I'm just saying I don't know that name.
I didn't travel no 500
miles to lose no bounty
to some lucky son of a bitch.
I don't know anything
about no bounty, neither.
I guess Vincent Krants
wasn't much of nothing at all
if your yellow ass put him down.
You still thirsty?
Then pay the man.
Just a minute there, partner.
Take your gun away from my friend.
From here I can blow your
head clean off, and I will.
He ain't kidding, stranger.
(thuds and yells)
Thought you could use some help.
Nobody do a goddamn thing.
That's him, sheriff.
That's the man who killed Vincent.
And you were just having a
drink, minding your own business?
I do not interfere in other folk's matters.
It's not gentlemanly.
But when it's unfair, And were
you with Mr. Atherton earlier?
I'm just passing though your
town here on my way to Tucson.
Business proposition.
Mr. Atherton's is all
alone on his prior dealing.
If that's all, I'll be going.
Certainly.
There is one more thing,
didn't quite catch your name.
Tapert.
Kyle Tapert.
- If there isn't anything more...
- Actually, Mr. Atherton,
there is something we'd
like to discuss with you.
You mind sitting down?
Old Jacob here has told
us an awful lot about you.
I've studied all the best.
I am quite familiar with your work.
So you've told me.
Let me get right to the point.
There's a reward for what you've done.
For what?
Vincent Krants.
You familiar with him?
Surely you're familiar with
his daddy, Jerry Krants.
Jerry Krants is the dirtiest
no-good son of a bitch,
to ever infest in the territory.
Mayor, this is Michael Atherton.
Michael, allow me to
introduce Mayor Pete Sayers.
Just call me Gentleman Pete,
Mr. Atherton. Everybody does.
Have you told him?
No, I was just fixing to.
I took an oath to uphold
the law of these parts,
so it is my duty to award you this bounty.
It's a substantial sum.
It's $10,000.
That's a lot of money.
It's a bargain in comparison to
what Vincent's done... him, his father,
and his whole goddamned gang.
But that isn't what concerns me.
The Krants gang is...
How should I put this?
They're like an instutution in this town.
Krants stakes his claim,
and if we don't bother him,
he pretty much leavus us alone.
Sort of an agreement between the two of us.
Mr. Atherton, I don't think you
completely understand the situation.
Jerry Krants is not going
to take this lying down.
That's his only son you killed.
When he finds out, he's
gonna come looking for answers,
and when he doesn't find
any, a lot of innocent people
in this town are gonna suffer.
It's our fault for letting go like we did.
Krants gang's gotten stronger,
and we've just gotten weaker.
Sheriff here and Casey are
the only lawmen we've got.
There isn't any way we can fend
off Krants, and his gang by ourselves.
I'm asking and frankly expecting,
your assistance in this matter.
The reward for Jerry
Krants is same as Vincent's,
but you bring him in
for us, we'll double it.
Mr. Mayor, Sheriff, I like to
help, But I'm not a hired gun.
I don't enjoy killing people.
Like I said, I was just passing through.
Before the war, Michael Atherton
was a pretty famous lawman
In Pennsylvania.
In the army he never advanced
any farther than a foot soldier,
despite his deeds.
He was captured by the
Confederacy, and then he escaped.
After that, never heard much about him.
He just disappeared.
This is the first I've heard
about him in seven, eight years.
I wonder where he's
been hiding all these years.
You just get some rest now.
I'll be back to check on you.
Watch the bar for a bit.
I'll be back.
Whiskey, please.
Hold your horses.
Someone here to see you, darling.
You can tell that damn Duncan,
I ain't up for nothing right now.
I don't think he's here for tricks.
I came by to see if
you was all right is all.
As fine as can be expected, I guess.
Actually, it's kind of good to
get a break from, you know...
for a little bit, anyway.
This here's for you.
What is it?
Bounty money.
Bounty money?
Vincent Krants?
How much?
Sheriff says $10,000.
I don't want it.
Pardon?
I said I don't want it.
Don't you speak english?
I am not for sale.
Not for you, Jerry Krants, Duncan, nobody.
Nobody owns me.
Nobody.
Like I said, I just came by
to see if you was okay is all.
I'll be on my way.
I'm here. What do you got?
He's only been in town a day,
but all he's done is crowd Wendy.
I think that's something
Mr. Krants ought to know...
I'll decide what Mr. Krants needs to know.
Pete paid him the bounty on Vincent.
It's $10,000.
And the word out is he's been
offered double that to bring in Jerry.
That so?
I ain't heard nothing for sure.
I mean, it's though enough
getting what I got already.
I need a name.
Some fast shot from back East I
ain't never heard of... Atherton, I think.
That's it.
Michael Atherton is in Kingston?
You know him?
But I heard.
Way Pete's acting, you'd think
Wyatt Earp himself just rode in.
He may as well have.
Who'd have thought.
Michael Atherton.
This fella Atherton, he's famous.
Never heard of him.
He was a war hero.
Fought for the North, maybe that's why.
He was an escaped prisoner,
helped take down the
South's stronghold in Columbia.
Cleared the way for Sherman to march
on in and burn Atlanta to the ground.
Pretty much disappeared from the
face of the earth these last few years.
Story had it, that day he
made his break, he killed
15 Confederate soldiers singlehanded.
Fifteen Confederate
soldiers all by himself?
Took care of Vince and the others
without breaking a sweat's what I heard.
Paul, those men that died were
family One of them was blood.
This was my son, Paul.
I don't like you taking it so lightly.
Do you understand me, Paul?
All right. Okay, Paul.
How'd you find out all
this stuff about this man?
It's what you pay me to find out.
So, they went out and they
hired themselves a shooter.
What are they paying him?
Offer's double for your head.
Double. Just double?
I say we hit the town hard, teach
them a lesson they won't forget.
I got something special
planned for the town.
I'm going to throw a real party
for that war hero, believe me.
Fifteen men.
I don't know why I've
been so damn lucky today.
Hold it.
I think we need to recount those cards.
I know what you're saying to yourselves.
Cheater, right?
With your luck, I'd cry foul as well.
The fact is I've been on
the up and up with you boys.
Nothing up my sleeve.
You're just bad card players, and I
think it's time you excused yourselves.
Not much with a gun, either, I see.
Least I could do.
Least you could do is nothing.
I'm more appreciative of this gesture.
You know, I've heard of you,
What you did during the
war, a few things after.
What are you doing here?
Just passing through, just like you.
Where you heading?
Go tell you the truth, I
haven't given it much thought.
Mind if I look at that peashooter?
I know guns pretty well,
and that is quite a piece.
.45 Scofield.
Ivory handle.
You know, they only made a few of these.
It's very nice.
It's pretty good.
You know, word's out the
town's willing to offer you
quite a handsome sum for particular bounty.
And how'd you hear about that?
You know how small towns are.
News travels fast.
You gonna stick around?
Could I offer you some advice?
To hell with these people.
They no more care about you than
some poor fool that rides into town.
They're just trying to get you
to do their work for them is all.
Maybe you're right.
(horses gallop) (dramatic music)
(gunshot)
(gunshot)
Sheriff, I want a word
with you if you please.
I didn't figure he'd want to talk to me.
Damn it, I know you Can hear me.
This whole damn town can hear me.
I'm going to make
this very simple, sheriff.
You give him to me...
I'm going to spare this town.
If I don't get him, I'll make a
graveyard out of this whole dump.
You hear me, and you hear me good, sheriff.
If I don't find him, nothing
or nobody will survive.
You here me, you bastard?
I know you can hear me.
Good luck.
You're supposed to be a war
hero, and you don't even have
the heart to come out here
and save these innocent souls.
There are no Yankee war
heroes, just goddamn cowards.
(dramatic music)
Well, Mr. War Hero, welcome to Kingston.
(gunshot) (horse neighs)
(gunfire)
Get out of here. Move!
Sweetheart, you're coming with me.
Get up.
I know you don't give
a damn about this town,
But I have something here that
I think you might just care for.
Tell him you're here, sweetness.
Come on, bitch.
Good.
Get this trash out of here.
Souds like a war hero.
I'm here.
Looks like.
Dead men don't need a gun.
You know where to take him.
And as quickly as this heroic
character came into our lives,
He was quickly taken from it.
The hope that Michael Atherton
symbolized was lost, gone forever.
No law-abiding man ever returned.
Only thing left to speculate
about now was what would be
in store for Kingston.
My turn.
Come on.
Get up.
Smash him.
One more.
I ran down this little valley
trailing the son of a bitch...
Hold it.
Where are you going?
I'm leaving.
O, really?
Aand exactly where do you plan on going?
Away from here.
You ain't going no place.
How much?
How much for what?
How much you let me leave?
How much you got?
This much.
Unfortunately, it's all lead.
She's going to pay for that.
(dramatic music)
Damn, son, you're a lot
tougher than I thought you were,
but I'm going to break you.
I swear to God I'm going to break you.
Hasn't that poor boy suffered enough?
You got a problem with my methods?
They're not the tactics of
civil society, That's for sure...
But then that's what
I like about you folks.
As you can see, I'm
quite busy at the moment.
Why don't you come back again?
No, I'll tell you something better.
When there's something you
want me to know, you tell Paul,
and that will save you a trip.
I get the feeling you don't want me around.
I pay you to do what the hell I
want you to do when I want you to.
Scat.
You don't remember me, do you?
Infamous escape, Columbia?
Ring any bells?
Better you than me, partner.
Better you than me.
(man yells)
Looks like a storm's coming in, Boss.
What do you want us to do with him now?
I think he looks just fine where he is.
You killed my son.
You hear me, boy.
An eye for an eye, a tooth
for a tooth, and blood for blood.
We think this is just the start.
For now, yes, he'll settle for Atherton,
but eventually his revenge
will not be limited to just him.
He'll blame everyone and
everything, this town in particular.
We lost our only lawman worth a damn today.
He won't be easy to replace.
We've recruited a few boys to lend a hand
until Casey feels better, but
they're going to need some guidance.
Will you help us?
Why me, if you don't mind my asking?
You don't know me from Adam.
You're not a bad gunman in
your own right's what I've heard.
I ain't no Atherton, though, am I?
Along with what you
did in town the other day
In defense of Atherton I feel more
than comfortable asking what I'm asking.
Frankly, we're desperate.
By the time the government
assigns a Marshal to this town,
I'm afraid it may be too late.
You know, Mr. Mayor, I've become
quite fond of your little town here.
I'd find it a privilege and an
honor to be It's next Sheriff.
So, just like that they give
controle of the town to this stranger?
I think old Pete knows what he's doing.
At least I hope he does.
(thunder)
(dramatic music)
Wendy, what the hell are you doing here?
I needed some things.
You better be quick and getting back
to wherever It Is you've been hiding.
Duncan got real angry after you
left, Got kind of hard on us for a while.
I'm so sorry about that.
Don't be.
None of the girls blame you for leaving.
They just blame themselves for staying.
I sure have missed you.
I miss you too.
Why haven't you moved on?
Got me a place in Saban Wash instead.
Nothing around for miles.
Miss Gina, see you at our
usual time this evening?
Looking forward to it, Mr. Mayor.
The mere thought of it...
You can't let him see you.
Not now.
Duncan went and got
the new Sheriff to post...
New Sheriff?
It sure has been a long time.
Right after the shooting we got a new one.
Tapert, Kyle Tapert.
Who's Kyle Tapert?
You don't understand, do you?
There's a bounty out on your head.
Duncan went ahead and
hat the new Sheriff post it.
You can't stay here anymore.
It's too dangerous.
Take care.
Take care of yourself.
All right. Go.
Hope you don't mind.
Did you eat?
How are you feeling?
Hungry.
I guess Vincent Krantz
wasn't much of nothing
at all, yo yo, ass-punching time.
(gunshot)
First is $10,000.
I said I don't want it,
don't you speak English?
(laughter)
Better you than me, partner.
Frankly, I'm expecting
assistance in this matter.
What is it?
(dramatic music)
Is that you, Sheriff?
It is.
Come in.
I take it this ain't how you got
your nickname "Gentleman."
I don't know what happened.
She... she was laughing.
And then you killed her.
Looks like a terrible accident.
I didn't mean to kill her, Sheriff.
You got to believe me.
I didn't mean to do it.
I know you didn't.
Just try and calm down.
A might young, don't you think, Mayor?
Pete, I don't want you
to keep fretting about this.
She's insignificant, and
she won't be missed.
You have to keep it together.
You've got way too
much responsibility resting
on your shoulders to worry
about some two-bit whore.
You trusted me to run
this town, didn't you?
Didn't you?
Good. We'll just let this be our little
secret between me and you. But...
No buts, no buts.
Nothing else to say.
You just leave this to me.
We're going to run this town the
right way, the way it oughta be, my way,
and this is how we take
care of our own in my town.
Now, you go get yourself cleaned up.
Now.
(gunshot)
(gunshot)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
Going somewhere?
I can see you've been getting better.
A bit.
So won't be long before you're ready.
I suppose not.
You got a plan, or are you gonna fire
at them like they're tin cans on a fence?
Haven't given it much thought.
You better, 'cause they ain't tin
cans, and they're going to fire back,
and there's a hell of a lot
more of them that there is you.
Are you hearing me?
You don't have to prove yourself to them.
You can stay here with me.
What difference is it going
to make getting yourself killed
for something you can't change?
I know about Sara.
I know how you must feel.
I'm not trying to take her place.
- I just... - You don't know how I feel.
You don't.
So you're going to go to
war for a bunch of strangers
that don't give a damn about you?
I ain't fighting nobody's war.
It ain't about right.
It ain't about wrong.
What is it about?
I don't know.
(dramatic music)
So, what do you want?
I thought I told them to tell you tomorrow.
They did.
I figured why wait.
Where is everybody?
Out.
Keepsake?
That's right.
Nice piece.
Yeah, it's kind of hard
to get rounds for, though.
It's a beaut.
You like it?
Take it.
So, what do you want?
That's the second time you've
barked at me in my home.
Forgive me.
What can I do for you?
I'd like for you to explain yourself to me.
In what sense?
I hear there's a new tax in town, true?
You see, I cannot remember
having okayed a new tax.
But you are going to include me in
your newfound fortune, are you not?
Yes. Of course.
Get the hell out of here.
Read them and weep.
It's a good thing you boys are better
gun hands than you are card players.
What is that now, three in a row?
Even the forces of nature ain't
gonna stop me tonight, ladies.
(gunfire)
Can't be.
That better not be you, Tapert.
I killed you.
You're dead.
Go ahead and kill me.
I'm not going to kill you.
You killed yourself.
I know something is up,
Sheriff, and I need your help.
How can I help you?
Tell me so I can go Home.
Haven't you heard a word I said?
Gina's been missing now for three days.
The last time I seen her was at the bar.
She was telling them other
girls she'd seen that other whore,
the one we've been looking for,
right here in this town not a day prior.
I am losing money left and right
with all these whores getting up
and moving on like this.
Someone is trying to do me in,
and I think they're all in it together.
Duncan, listen to me.
I know you're hurting, but what do
you want me to do about it tonight?
I figure with all the money
I've been kicking back to you,
It'd be worth a little inconvenience.
What are you doing here?
I got some news can't wait.
Whatever it is can.
Krants is dead.
What happened?
Son of a bitch burst into the barn
and started shooting up a storm.
Took us out like we was nothing.
Killed everybody there.
When I went outside after,
that's when I found Jerry
lying on the porch dead.
That crazy son of a bitch was gone.
Who did it?
It couldn't have been the man I saw.
It just couldn't.
Damn it, who was it?
Atherton.
It was Michael Atherton, the man we killed.
Left for dead.
Are you sure?
Why would I lie?
It was him or his ghost.
Either one, it's the man I saw there.
I can't believe it.
Jerry Krants dead?
Hold your thinking there, Duncan.
It can't be.
I mean, you all saw him die.
We strung him up good.
A couple of us went out a few
days later, couldn't find no body.
Just figured the buzzards and coyotes
had themselves a nice Yankee supper.
What the hell is going on, Sherrif?
Duncan, I'm not going to
tell you again to shut up.
Who else saw Atherton out there?
Anyone who saw him there is dead.
How many lives does this man have?
You said Tapert was the Sheriff.
How many Deputies they got?
I don't know.
I know it don't matter much...
But I love you.
(dramatic music)
Words get out that Atherton's
killed Krants, he's going
To be so high and mighty
nobody will ever bring him down.
This is not how it's supposed to be.
What do you want me to do?
Can't you see what he's doing?
He's hunting us.
The son of a bitch stole my idea.
What we have to do id
find him before he gets
bigger than he ever was, and destroy him,
from top to bottom, and I know how.
Yeah? Where the hell is he?
Duncan, that whore Atherton gave the
money to, she say where she was living?
Good.
(dramatic music)
(yells)
(thunder)
(dramatic music)
Do you know what time it is?
2:30?
That isn't what I mean.
What is it that can't wait till morning?
You're a church-going
man, aren't you, Mayor?
Of course.
You remember the passage in
the Bible when God told Abraham
to sacrifice his child?
In that case, it was just
a test, but the point being,
for every cause there has to
be someone willing to sacrifice.
You understand?
That's Atherton's gun.
Where'd you get it?
Where I got this should be of
little concern to you right now.
It's what I'm planning to do with
it that you should worry about.
(gunshot) (bangs)
Mrs. Sayers, I can't tell you
how embarrassing this is for me.
Somebody ought to fetch the Sheriff.
A man's been killed.
Sorry to get you boys up so early.
I know it's still a couple
hours before dawn,
but I felt I had to do something
quick before we lose this one
I'm afraid I have some
disturbing news for you.
Our dear Mayor has been murdered.
The Mayor?
We know the whereabouts of the perpetrator,
and it shames me to be
the one to tell you this, but...
It's someone we all know,
someone we've admired greatly.
He was made to withstand
a terrible punishment
and then somehow miraculously survived.
Unfortunately, he blames
everything and everybody in this town,
including our dear Mayor
and his innocent, lovely wife.
His name is Michael Atherton.
How he survived after
being turned over to Krants
is a mystery to me, but
war hero or no war hero,
his brand of justice cannot go unanswered.
It was blatantly misguided
and foolishly executed,
as a witness saw the whole damn thing.
Let's show him how we take
care of our own here in Kingston.
(dramatic music)
Go. Get... get in!
Got it!
We got him.
Get him off me.
What do you have?
It's a mess.
A real mess.
That it is.
We've all heard the legend.
Mr. Finch, what gun in particular does
the famous Michael
Atherton wear on his side?
Michael Atherton?
He's dead.
Just answer the question.
Scofield .45.
Specially made, ivory handle.
The brutality of this crime is beyond me.
Revenge is an ugly sight.
Are you saying Michael Atherton's alive?
Alive and very much well.
To those of you who may not
have heard, this is no accident.
You take a look at our dear
Mayor's body, you'll see he was shot.
Murdered.
And I'll bet you my last
dollar you're gonna find
a Scofield .45 slug inside.
I don't believe it.
Don't take my word for it.
What kind is it?
Scofield .45.
Why don't we just ask him ourselves?
What kind of man does something like this?
Can you tell us your
whereabouts last night?
How did you survive all that time?
Must've been tough.
Dis any of you ever hear of
anybody escaping from Jerry Krants?
Of course not.
Not unless you made
some sort of deal with him.
That's why you killed Pete.
Did he pay you too?
You make me sick.
Get him out of my sight.
Bury him.
Death by hanging.
That's what the majority's calling for,
And I'm just carrying out
the wishes of the masses.
I am just a public servant, you know.
You don't know how much joy
seeing you like this brings me.
All those years of looking
for you finally paid off.
Pays to be patient.
Pays to be patient.
Still don't remember me?
Some legend you are.
Guess I wasn't as important
to you as you were to me.
See, you gave me a souvenir,
so I'll always remember you.
It wasn't 15 men you killed single-handed.
It was 14, one survivor.
And no one remembers the
men who were killed that day
when you broke out of prison, but I do.
Every damn day.
And tomorrow when you
hang, not only will you die,
but a new legend will be born
and you won't be remembered
for any act of bravery, only as a killer.
You done yet?
When God puts the sun over
the horizon tomorrow morning,
It'll be time for you to swing.
And I give you my word of honor,
no matter how long it takes
no matter how much it cost,
I'm going to find that
little whore of yours
and treat her like she ought to be treated.
You know, my only regret here
is I don't get to kill you myself.
Oh, that would've been sweet.
Real sweet.
Son of a bitch.
Not much is known about Atherton's
escape from the Southern camp,
except for the basics.
None of the names of the
soldiers were ever released,
so I couldn't really say.
Legend has it at 15.
But is it possible?
Is it possible one survived?
Yeah, I'd say anything's possible,
but the records were destroyed, Deputy.
You want my opinion, I'd say
it's highly unlikely, but it's possible.
Let me ask you something.
Why all this sudden interest in
a story everybody knows about?
Because I think everybody
may just be a little bit wrong.
(knocking)
(dramatic music)
Come on.
I thought you might be coming by.
Since you just broke
out of jail, I figured you
and your accomplice here might
undoubtedly be seeking greener pastures.
Just to make everything official,
I brought a witness 'cause I
want everybody to know the truth
about what happens here today.
Or at least the truth as I give it to him.
Not so fast, Lightning.
You wouldn't want to shoot
me knowing the slightest change
in balance could lead to a very
unfortunate circumstance for the lady here.
You see, I came to
the realization last night
that I don't just want you
dead and your name ruined.
I want it all.
And I figured this way
I could have all that
and the satisfaction of killing you myself.
I reckon it is somewhat
unfair of me to be doing this,
keeping you off guard and all,
'cause I don't want you to be distracted
when you finally draw.
I want to know I've seen your best.
So...
(yells and chokes)
I got to hand it to you, Atherton.
You are indeed one hell of
a shot, even all crippled up.
But, unfortunately for you,
even the best shooter can't
do anything with no bullets.
Even a ignorant whore knows that.
(thuds and grunts)
(dramatic music)
(gunshot)
(horse neighs)
Where is he?
It's okay, he's dead.
You all right?
Deputy's coming.
It's all right, Mr. Atherton.
I know you're innocent.
I heard everything Tapert
said last night to you
and knew he'd been lying all along.
Couldn't really believe
he'd gone in with Krants,
But when I saw the jail cell door open
like that, I knew something weren't
right, so I come here to stop him.
Thank you.
(dramatic music)
Hey, Deputy, can you get me loose?
I reckon.
It was never determined whether or not
Kyle Tapert was who he claimed to be.
Later it was revealed that
wasn't even his real name.
So it goes.
As for Michael Atherton, he
pulled another disappearing act.
The man who singlehandedly
wiped out the krants gang
and saved a small western town.
Found what he had been searching
for for an incredibly long time, Peace.
(dramatic music)