The Texas Rangers (1951) Movie Script
NARRATOR: Under the
infamous nine-year rule
of the carpetbaggers
that followed the Civil War,
thieves, murderers, and
other fugitive criminals
from every part of the
country found sanctuary
in the state of Texas.
In 1874, the Union Army
of Occupation was withdrawn,
leaving Texas at the mercy
of a horde of ruthless bandits
operating in open defiance of
all existing law enforcement.
Among them were some of
the most dangerous men
in American criminal history.
Such men as
that legendary outlaw,
the terror of
every Texas railroad.
Fares, please.
I'm the new conductor
on the train.
Sam Bass is the name.
Shell out, folks,
shell out all you got.
Travelin' comes
high in Texas
when Sam Bass
is running the train.
Right in the
bag, ma'am.
[FIRES GUN]
Thank you, miss.
Lovely day,
isn't it, ma'am?
NARRATOR: Duke Fisher,
a two-gun stop sign
on any highway.
John Wesley Hardin,
gentleman by birth,
lawyer by training,
killer by instinct.
MARSHAL: Travis County
has law and order
now, Hardin.
What's the
charge, Marshal?
Murder, mayhem,
and highway robbery.
Unbuckle his
belt, Joe.
[FIRES GUN]
NARRATOR: David Rudabaugh,
king of the cattle rustlers.
I'll only
call you, Dave,
but I have
the high hand,
three aces.
[GROANS]
You got the
low hand now, partner.
[COINS CLINKING]
NARRATOR:
And the Sundance Kid,
at double-dealing gent
who only had
one real friend,
the Sundance Kid.
Buff Smith, a good boy
and bad company.
Hold them, Johnny,
till I get mounted.
NARRATOR: John Carver,
the fastest gun in Texas.
Come on, Johnny.
[GROANS]
[GROANS]
Oh, Dad!
Dad!
Dad! [SOBBING]
All right, folks.
All right.
All right.
We'll take charge of them.
They killed
George Fenton.
Is that true,
Miss Helen?
Yes.
These men started
shooting and my father
fell right beside me.
Sorry, ma'am.
He stopped the last one
the Sundance Kid
threw at me.
You're just as
much to blame.
You were in this together,
thieves and murderers.
I'll see you
hang for it.
Let's string them
up right now!
[CROWD CLAMORING]
Wait a minute.
Let's do this according
to law and order.
All right, boys,
take him away.
NARRATOR: To combat
this lawlessness,
the state once again called
into being the Texas Rangers,
demobilized since the
beginning of the Civil War.
Major John B. Jones,
a gallant officer
of the Confederacy,
was placed in command.
And no finer body of
fighting men was ever known.
Within two years,
Major Jones and his Rangers
had brought law and order
to the far-flung
borders of Texas.
It was then that
Sam Bass called together
the remaining bandit leaders
at one of his hideouts
in the Lampasas River region.
All right, gentlemen.
Now that we're all here,
let's get down to cases.
I reckon you know
that I didn't ask you
way down here
just to have a sociable
drink and smoke.
Now let's get
to it, Sam.
I ain't aiming to spend
the night in this swamp.
Hold your horses, Arkansas.
I'm the dealer.
Boys, the way Major Jones
and his Rangers are goin',
we're gonna be holed up
in a worse place than this
if we don't do something
about it, pronto.
Well, there's no
argument there, Sam.
What's your plan?
Organize, Wes.
Put everything we have
into one pot.
Work some big jobs together.
Share and share alike.
Nah, I've always
worked alone.
So have I, Arkansas.
We all like to
play a lone hand.
But where is it
getting us?
How's cattle rustling, Dave?
I haven't moved
a steer in two months.
SAM: You ain't been doing
so good either lately,
have you, Sundance?
You, Duke?
Not you either, Butch.
And, uh, John,
they tell me the Rangers
blew up that last bank job
of yours.
Right my face.
I was lucky to get away.
There you are, boys.
I tell you, there's
only one way to beat
this Major Jones.
Working together, we can
lick any Ranger outfit
they send against us.
They've been
busted up before, and
we can do it again.
Before we're through,
we'll just about own
this part of Texas.
Stock, lock, and barrel.
That's mighty
big talk, Sam Bass.
Seems to me
the kind of outfit
you're proposing
has got to have
a boss, ain't it?
That's right.
I reckon you figure
on being it, ain't you, Sam?
Why you more than me?
I've pulled more and
bigger jobs than you
ever thought of.
You've taken on
a big one now, Arkansas.
Let's see you pull it.
[FIRES GUN]
[GROANS]
Boys,
here's to the Long Riders
Self-Protective Association.
Sam Bass, President.
Major Jones,
I'm not detracting
from the splendid services
you and your Rangers
have rendered over
the past two years.
But this Sam Bass
is making Texas
the laughingstock
of the nation.
Governor, Sam Bass
has organized
the strongest band
of outlaws on record.
Confound it, Major, he's
operating practically within
the shadow of the capital.
And what, may I ask,
have you done about it?
We've tried to
run him to cover, sir.
I've lost 30 good men
within the last month.
Sam Bass strikes
in one county today,
and reappears in
another two days later.
The scoundrel
is becoming a legend.
They're even signing
ballads about him.
Look at my desk, sir.
Piled high with
letters of complaint
and newspaper attacks
on my administration.
Major, we've got
to put Sam Bass
out of business
before the
legislature reconvenes.
That's a tall
order, Governor.
It gives me less
than a month.
But if you don't care
of what methods I use...
Do it any way you can.
Only be on time,
or there won't be
any appropriation.
And that means the end
of the Texas Rangers.
Carver and Smith
in the soup again.
What is it this time?
GUARD 1: They slugged
Keeper Hansen and tried
to go over the wall.
GUARD 2: Well,
pump Carver out
and dry him off
'cause he's wanted
at the warden's office.
Hello, Johnny.
Major Jones.
Excuse me, sir, I...
[CHUCKLES]
The warden's boys
sort of got me
sun-blinded and
waterlogged.
Here, here,
sit down.
Thanks, sir.
It's good to see you.
It's always good
to see an old friend.
[CHUCKLES]
Even in a place
like this.
Looks like your luck kind
of run out on you, Johnny.
Yeah, it's run out
for good, I reckon.
What happened
after the war?
You used to be one
of the best platoon
sergeants I had.
What went wrong?
Got home to find nothing
but a stone chimney
and a heap of charcoal
from a Yankee guerilla raid.
My ma and pa killed,
kid brother wounded.
I got him taken care of,
then I...
Then I joined up
with the border raiders.
One thing led to another.
I reckon you know the rest.
It's too bad.
You'd have made
a fine Ranger.
Not me.
I'd never help send a man
to rot in a hole like this.
Twenty-three more
years to go.
They might as well
have made it life.
They did.
Nobody's ever lasted
more than 10 years in here.
Sergeant, there's
a new war on.
It's not like the one
we fought together.
No flags waving,
no bugle calls.
It's a war of extermination
between my Rangers
and the Sam Bass outfit.
I need your help.
[SCOFFS] What for?
You know all the outlaw
trails and hideouts along
the Lampasas River.
You used to be proud
you were a Texan.
Here's a chance for you to
strike a blow for your state.
I'm more interested
in striking a blow
for Johnny Carver.
What's in it for me?
A parole in my custody
as a probationary Ranger.
The promise of
a full pardon
if you do a good job.
Who's all in
this Sam Bass outfit
you're talking about?
John Wesley Hardin,
David Rudabaugh,
Duke Fisher,
Butch Cassidy.
And the Sundance Kid?
That's right.
Could you get my pal
Buff Smith out on
this same kind of deal?
That was part of
my understanding
with the Governor.
Major, you've got yourself
a couple of new Rangers.
RANGER 1: Well, what do
you know? How do you
call that turn, Bob?
Beats me.
RANGER 2: Some haul
the boss made.
Buff Smith and Johnny Carver,
the fastest gun in Texas.
Yeah.
MAJOR JONES: Bonner.
Danny, meet
Buff Smith
and John Carver.
Bonner?
How are you?
They've joined up with us.
Gee, that's great.
We thought they were
prisoners. [CHUCKLES]
I, uh, didn't catch
the name quite right.
Uh, Bonner,
Danny Bonner.
Take them over
to the mess and
find bunks for them.
They'll be riding out
early in the morning.
Why waste
tonight, Major?
Buff and me could
be well up the line
by morning.
That's all right
with me.
Go over to
the corral, Danny.
Find good mounts
for 'em.
Come in with me, boys,
and get your outfits.
JOHNNY: Yes, sir.
Hello, Major.
Hello, Pete.
How was your trip, sir?
Not too rough.
Anything new?
Yes, sir,
but it's not good.
They got Jim McCoy
up at Granger.
One of our best men.
That makes 31
this month.
This note was
found pinned to
his jacket, sir.
This'll give you
an idea of what you're
up against, Johnny.
"Keep sending them, Major.
We have lots of ammunition."
Signed, Sam Bass.
All right, we've tried
to accommodate
Mr. Bass and company.
Oh, uh, Captain,
meet John Carver
and Buff Smith.
They're joining us
on probation.
Boys, this is Captain Pete,
my second in command.
Howdy, Captain.
Pleased to meet you.
Welcome to
the Rangers.
HELEN: Just a minute, please.
Oh, Major, this young
lady has been
waiting to see you.
Miss Helen Fenton.
She's publisher
of the Waco Star.
Oh, I see.
Well, what is it,
Miss Fenton?
Did I understand
you correctly
just now, Major?
You've taken these men
out of prison to
make Rangers of them?
That's right,
Miss Fenton.
Major Jones,
these two men were
tried and convicted
as accessories to
the murder of my father
two years ago in Waco.
I was a prosecuting witness.
They're
murderous outlaws.
I'm afraid you're allowing
your personal tragedy
to blind you to
reality, Miss Fenton.
Two years ago Texas
was an outlaw state.
Many young men capable
of becoming good citizens
had drifted into
lives of violence.
These men are cases in point.
I think they should
have a chance to
redeem themselves.
Well, then there's no use
in my staying longer.
I was hoping to go back
to Waco and tell
the people of my county
that the Rangers would
soon bring them relief
from Sam Bass.
But you can.
These men are going
to be of great help
in rounding up that gang.
They're the kind
of men we need.
We're fighting fire
with fire, Miss Fenton.
Major Jones,
if the Texas Rangers
have reached so low
in the bottom of the barrel
that there's nothing left
but rotten apples,
there's little hope
for McLennan County.
We might as well
elect Sam Bass sheriff.
Good day, sir.
Phew! That filly
leaves a trail like
a prairie fire.
[DOOR SLAM]
I reckon you'll have
to read the next edition
of the Waco Star
through smoked
glasses, Major.
I'm afraid so.
Now, boys, if you'll
take a look at this map.
The last four jobs
Sam Bass pulled
we all between
Little River and Waco.
Ah, that means
they're working out of
Lampasas River country,
all right, Major.
Yes, and Bass now has
enough gunfighters
to block every known path
and ambush my men
when they try
to follow him.
Now I want you to
locate his hideout
in the bottom lands
and spot an unguarded path
through the river timber.
I reckon Buff and me
know about
100 deer trails.
They can't
block them all.
Right and when you're
all set, report back to me.
I'll be a day's ride
behind you with all the
men I can assemble.
And you'll lead us in
for a surprise attack.
Any questions?
Reckon not.
You, Buff?
No.
Say, Major,
didn't I...
Well...
Didn't I smell chewing
meat on the fire out there,
when we drove by?
That's right, Buff.
The mess cook will
fix you up with
all you want.
Oh, man, oh, man!
This will be the first
time I sat down to three
or four T-bones in...
In two years.
Just a minute, Buff.
Now, boys, raise
your right hands.
Repeat after me.
I solemnly swear...
BOTH: I solemnly swear...
...to render loyal service
to the State of Texas.
BOTH: ...to render loyal
service to the State of Texas.
Danny.
Hi, Buff.
Johnny, gee, you could
have knocked me over
with a broom straw
when I saw you and Buff
ride in. [CHUCKLES]
How'd you do it?
Your name is
Danny Bonner, eh?
What's the idea, kid?
Ashamed to be known
as my brother?
That wasn't it, Johnny,
you know it wasn't.
I never have been
ashamed of you.
I told you that
in my letters.
They don't give
you any mail
in that prison, Danny.
What about the
packages I sent you?
I expect our
keepers enjoy them.
Oh, no wonder you thought
I'd turned on you.
No, I only took
Uncle Bonner's name
because...
Well because I was afraid
they wouldn't let me in
the Rangers
if they knew about...
Well, that's the only
reason. That was all.
Oh, look, Johnny,
how could I have
been ashamed of you?
I've carried
this medal of yours,
haven't I, ever since
you came back from the war?
Now I can show it
to everybody and let 'em
know we're brothers.
No, not yet, kid.
Why not? Your being
in the Rangers makes
everything just fine.
We can go
to the Major and...
No, nothing doing.
Let things ride
as they are.
I get it. You want to prove
yourself first, that's it.
Sure. That's it.
Well, look, if you'll go
to the Major and put in
a good word for me,
he'll let me string along
with you and Buff
on my first field job.
Oh, not a chance, Danny.
This is special,
just for Buff and me.
Take care
of yourself.
When he was born, Buff,
he weighed four and
a half pounds on a hook.
Well, he's a grownup
Texas longhorn now.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Gosh, Aunt Helen.
Johnny Carver's
the only man in Texas
who'll slap leather
faster than Sam Bass.
[IMITATES GUN FIRING]
Oh, Sam Bass is faster
than him with both hands.
[IMITATES GUN FIRING]
Yeah?
Yeah!
Hey, hey, we've enough bandit
killers in Texas without
you two joining up.
Now get these
papers delivered.
Yes, ma'am.
But I'd still like to be
around when Johnny Carver
and Sam Bass meet up.
Miss Helen.
Sam Bass and a bunch
of gunfighters just
rode into town.
They set themselves up
in the Frontier Palace,
just as cool as you please.
Where's the Marshal
and his deputy?
When last seen,
he was heading south.
Coward!
No wonder our boys make
heroes of these murderers.
Miss Helen, you ain't
going to the Palace.
Where else?
I run a newspaper, Pete.
It's my job to interview
celebrities when
they come to town.
Leave it to me,
Mr. Bass.
Supper for 9:00 and
everything the best.
And everything
on the house.
[STAMMERS] Oh, of course.
It's a great pleasure, sir.
Bill, Charlie,
set the big table.
Nice fella, huh?
Real hospitable
town, Waco.
We should come
here more often.
Oh, boys. Wes,
that Belton Bank job
is ripe
and ready for us
to pluck off the limb.
Ah, that penny-ante
piggy bank isn't worth
the trip, Sam.
She will be by the
time we get there.
I got news from the
boys down south today.
Wells Fargo is coming in
with a big bundle of cash
and we're really gonna...
You're Sam Bass,
aren't you?
That's right, ma'am,
but you have
the advantage of me.
I'm Helen Fenton,
publisher of the Waco Star.
Pleased to know
you, ma'am.
What can I do for you?
Just one thing.
You and these hyenas
of yours can climb right
back on those horses
outside and let
the people of Waco
breathe clean air again.
My name ain't "hyena" sister,
it's Dave Rudabaugh.
I know.
I have all your photographs
back at the office.
You're John Wesley
Hardin and
you're Duke Fisher
and you're Butch Cassidy.
And who am I, sister?
You're the Sundance Kid.
[GASPS]
Easy, Sundance.
I don't go for
beating women.
What was I gonna do?
Let her shoot me?
Where did you get this talk
about Johnny Carver?
What talk is that?
Read it.
Says there that Johnny Carver
is out of prison and
joined the Rangers.
Him and Buff Smith.
Maybe that's
the best way out
for Texas after all.
Make Rangers out of half
the outlaws and you can fight
it out among yourselves
till you're all
killed off.
Ah, you talk
too much, sister.
See the lady
to the door, Wes.
I can find the door
without assistance.
Boys, this is a deeper
creek than we think
and full of quicksand.
The gal says here,
the Major told her
that Buff and Johnny
were gonna help
the Rangers round us up.
That means they should
be riding north.
Hmm, I can't figure
them two turning Ranger.
BUTCH: I can.
You know 'em?
Raised in
the same town.
They was both in
Major Jones' cavalry.
Always bragging about what
a great fellow Jones was.
That explains
things, Butch.
I know those hombres,too.
They're bad medicine.
We don't want them
north of the Lampasas.
SUNDANCE: Leave them
to me, Sam.
I got a special hate
on them two sidewinders
for that double cross
they gave me here
in Waco two years back.
Oh, that's not the way
I heard it, Sundance.
Then you
heard it wrong.
[GLASS SHATTERING]
Would like to wade
into it any deeper,
huh, Wes?
None of that,
there'll be no gunplay
among ourselves.
Wes, get over to
the telegraph office.
Jeff and Bart are down
in Belton casing that
bank job for us.
Wire them and tell them
to look out for Carver
and Smith
at Pecos Palmer's
place in Granger.
That's a good
idea, Sam.
Sundance, take a couple
of the boys and head
south right now.
I want those two
stopped below Belton,
so they won't interfere
with that bank job
tomorrow.
It's a pleasure, Sam.
But I won't need any help.
I know a spot where
I can Winchester
the both of them
right out of
their saddles.
Suit yourself, Kid.
On the way down,
stop in on
the telegraph operator.
He might have some news
from Pecos Palmer.
Boys, who's pouring?
You know, Johnny,
I keep remembering
all them pretty words
to that oath
the Major gave us
back in Austin.
"I do solemnly swear
to render faithful service
to the State of Texas."
[CHUCKLES] Now, that's
the first time I ever
swore without cussing.
Pecos Palmer's place
is just up ahead.
We got to pick up
the Sundance Kid's
trail there.
We ain't going gunning
for that snake
first, are we?
We are if I can
smoke him out.
But the Major's orders
was for us to locate...
Look, let me do
the figuring.
Sundance is our
personal business.
You owe him as much
as I do, don't you?
Oh, sure, Johnny, but
we swore by the good book.
And Sundance is first
in my book, tonight,
tomorrow, or the day after.
Nobody I know,
except Pecos the barkeep.
Uh, them two
at the bar.
Appears like to me
I've seen 'em before
someplace,
in Sam Bass' gang.
Trail's heating up.
Well, well, Rangers
Johnny Carver
and Buff Smith.
Be careful of
your language, boys,
the law is with us.
How'd you hear about us
so soon, Pecos?
Sundance Kid send
you a telegram?
Sundance Kid?
Never heard of him.
What'll it be, Rangers?
Reckon this
ought to be safe.
Your whiskey is
bad enough, Pecos,
without
a shot of rat poison.
Who belongs to that
straw pony outside?
How do I know?
I ain't been outside.
I reckon that's
my pony you're asking
about, Ranger.
What's it to you?
Mighty nice-looking pony.
Boys must have been
in a big hurry,
getting here the same day
you crossed the Lampasas.
We like to ride fast.
Any objections?
No. Just wondering,
that's all.
Who sent you down
to meet us?
Sam Bass or
the Sundance Kid?
Talk fast.
Where's Sundance?
Just keep heading
north, he'll be watching
for you, Ranger.
Let's ride.
So long, Pecos,
you better not
be here on
our return trip.
You won't like
that water cure up
at the state prison.
He'll wire somewhere
up the line.
Sundance will know
we're after him.
Doggone it, Johnny,
he'll hole up some
place then, won't he?
No, not him,
he won't run.
We'll have to do more
looking behind us
than in front of us.
Howdy, Sundance.
Wait till I sign off.
Man, this line's
been hot.
Anything I ought
to know?
Yeah, Pecos Palmer
wired up to Marshal Gorey
at Belton about
a shooting down
at his place.
Is that for me?
At my usual
rate, Sundance.
Much obliged.
Pecos said
a couple of Rangers,
Carver and Smith by name,
had a set-to with
Jeff Barton and Bart Howard.
Yeah?
Who won?
The Rangers.
Still riding north,
looking for you,
Pecos said.
Hmm, that's funny,
I'm looking for them.
You know, I'm getting
to like this Ranger business
more and more. [CHUCKLES]
That was the first time
I ever used the gun
with a clear conscience.
Man, last time I rode
through this part
of the country,
I had old Marshal
Gorey in a posse
riding herd on me.
How'd you
shake 'em off?
Hmm?
Oh, I holed up in
some of them trees
over yonder.
He rode right on by me.
Show me, we'll see
what's following.
Somebody following us?
Yeah, they have been
ever since the morning.
What's the
big idea, kid?
The Major sent me.
He got word that
Sam Bass and his gang
are in Waco and...
[PANTS]
...they're coming south.
Why'd he pick you?
DANNY: I don't know.
Guess he figured wasn't
a better man I could work
with on my first field job.
He's stalling.
He knows who you are
and sent you out
because he don't
trust me to go through
with the job.
DANNY: Oh, no, Johnny,
you got him all wrong.
He knows you wouldn't
back out once you've
started something.
Yeah, once...
[CLEARS THROAT]
You know, I sure have
been getting out of practice
with this thing lately.
You know I took a shot
last night at 10 feet
and it was over
an inch and
a half high? Ha!
Hey, the fella what put
up that sign over there
forgot to dot the "I's."
[GUNSHOT]
Oh, it's still an inch high.
[GUN FIRING]
Hey, now that's pretty
good shooting, Johnny.
Well, nail me up to
a barn door to dry.
Say, where'd you learn
to shoot like that?
[CHUCKLES]
I had a pretty
good teacher.
[HORSES APPROACHING]
[COCKS RIFLE]
That'll be Sundance.
And just as
itchy-fingered as ever.
Hold it.
You two stay here.
Johnny, he ain't
likely to be alone.
That's something
I'll have to find out
for myself.
I'd feel pretty good
with not taking you
into an ambush.
Buff, you keep him here
if you have to throw
and hog-tie him.
[URGES HORSE]
[RIFLE CLICKS]
See what you've done
by tagging after us?
Turned a doggone
good Ranger into
a doggone nursemaid!
Lie real quiet, Sundance.
Let go of that Winchester.
I could let you have it in
the back, like you did me,
but that would be
too easy on you.
Rise and reach.
Higher.
All right, Ranger,
what's next?
Take one hand down
slowly to that belt buckle
and open her up.
Slowly, I said.
Major Jones is sure gonna
be happy to see you.
I want you to get a taste
of that waterhole
at the state pen.
I'd like to see you
after the warden's boys
get through playing with
you for a month or so.
[GUNSHOT]
Somebody got it!
Yeah, but which one?
Can't wait here
to find out.
Johnny, you got him!
Man, oh, man,
that last shot had
us both worried.
Where'd you leave
the Major's outfit?
Down at Round Rock.
They should be making
Pecos Palmer's by sundown.
Take this load
of buzzard meat
and deliver it to them.
But if we push on fast,
we got a chance to
get our job done
while the gang's still
north of the river.
That's the Major's job.
I've finished mine.
I don't get it.
Give the Major my thanks.
Tell him not to worry
about Buff and me anymore.
We're leaving
Texas for good.
But you gave him your word,
your solemn oath.
It's the promises
I make to myself
that count with me,
and I kept that one.
Johnny, wait.
There's nothing to
argue about, kid.
One Ranger in
the family's enough.
Come on, Buff.
You're not
going anywhere.
Get your hands up.
You know you
couldn't shoot.
If you don't think so,
just try for your gun.
Buff, I could give this
fool kid a one-shot
edge and still get him.
But I don't want
to hurt him.
Take his gun away
for me.
I'm sorry, Johnny.
I'm stringing with Danny.
And you know
you can't give me
no one-shot edge.
Get his gun belt, Danny.
Belton's the next
town north.
I'm turning you over
to the Marshal there,
and then
I'm gonna do the job
that you were
sent out to do,
locate Sam Bass' hideout.
Why, you don't know
one trail from another.
But I do.
Hot news from down
the line, boss.
Johnny Carver, Buff Smith,
and another Ranger just
rode into Little River
with the Sundance Kid,
dead and tied to his saddle.
How long ago?
Not more than
an hour.
The operator at
Little River wired up
to Belton.
They left Sundance's body
and rode on north.
Guess Sundance wasn't
as handy with that
Winchester as he figured.
Butch, Dave, take three
of the boys and see
that Carver outfit
stopped south of Belton.
We can't have them
riding in on that bank job
tomorrow morning.
Luke, Connor, Hilton.
Come on, Dave,
let's go.
[ALL URGING HORSES]
From here, boys, we drift
on into Belton easy-like.
Meet up at the
Rancher Hotel tonight.
Get 'em started, John.
You two have everything
it takes to be Rangers
except brains.
If Sam Bass is
riding south like
the Major told you,
he ought to be pretty
near here by now.
I don't like to riding
into his reception
committee empty-handed.
It's a good try,
but no deal.
Let's take cover here.
It'll be easy pickings
when they stop for water.
Yeah.
Tie 'em up to
the trees, boys.
Luke, take that
rock over there.
All right. Go.
Over there.
I'll take Carver.
All right.
[COCKS RIFLE]
I'll nail the kid.
[GUNFIRE]
Johnny!
[FIRES]
[GROANS]
[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]
[URGES HORSE]
[GROANS]
Why didn't you
keep going?
Hit bad?
Nah, just a scratch.
In the back.
That slug was meant for you.
Get one of
the canteens.
[SIGHS] Thanks.
I'm all right.
Reckon we better
take you back south
to the Major
instead of going on
to Belton.
Give Buff your gun.
It's all right, Danny.
I'm gonna take you
back to the Major.
[CHUCKLES]
I knew you couldn't
run out on us.
No more then you could
have pulled that trigger
on me, Danny.
Buff, get my pony,
will you?
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Be ready to travel
in a minute.
[EXHALES] As soon
as I catch breath.
Sure, kid.
Right away.
It's 4:00 now.
We can be at
the Lampasas by 8:00.
[CONTINUES BREATHING HEAVILY]
It's kind of...
It's kind of dark for 4:00,
ain't it, Johnny?
[CHUCKLES]
It's clouding up
a bit, Danny.
Seems like an northern's
coming on.
We'll telegraph the Major
a report from Little River.
Only...
Only we'll sign it John
and Daniel Carver.
No more of this Bonner
stuff [GROANS] for me.
Oh...
Uh...
Next chance I get...
Can you get me
one of them fancy...
Fancy watch fobs
that dudes wear?
I'm gonna hang
this medal in plain sight,
where everybody can see it.
I'll get one
for you myself,
Danny.
Folks'll ask me, they'll say,
"Son, where did
you get that medal?"
And I'll say...
Say, "My brother Johnny
"won it fighting at Shiloh.
"Fighting for Texas."
You're talking
too much now, Danny.
Take it easy a bit.
Yeah.
You're right,
Ranger.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Johnny...
Johnny, I can't see.
Johnny.
Danny.
[DYING GASP]
Danny.
Bet you never knowed
he was Johnny's brother,
huh, Major?
I knew who he
was all along.
In fact, it was something
he said about
being men in prison who
would make good Rangers
if they had the chance
that started me
working on getting
you and Johnny out.
Johnny wanted me to ask
you to have him buried
under his right name.
Of course.
I'll take him back
to Austin with us.
He'll rest in the state
cemetery, along with
a lot of other good Texans.
You're going back
to Austin, Major?
We've been ordered back.
But what about Johnny?
He'll be working up there,
trailing Sam Bass
and figuring you're
right behind him.
You know how to
make contact with him?
Well, we figured out a place
about four miles this side
of Waco to meet.
You better get ready
to start north again, Buff.
I'll give you your final
instructions before you go.
Yes, sir.
There it is.
50,000 cash and
new Yankee folding money.
Good as gold
and easier to carry.
Wells Fargo's
smartening up.
Look at all
them guards.
Yeah, but they'll
be pulling out soon.
Their responsibility
ends with delivery.
They put in,
we take out.
So long, Marshal.
[DRIVER URGING HORSES]
Howdy, Dave.
Man, you look all beat.
Where's Butch
and the others?
Is Sam inside?
MAN: Yeah.
Room 22. Second floor.
I don't get it, Dave.
Five of you against
three, and you still
couldn't pull it off.
Sam, it was just
one of those things.
Carver got Cassidy
and the rest of the boys
with a few lucky shots.
I was the only one
left and had to
get out of there.
Looks like I'll have
to make Carver my own
personal business.
MAN: Here's your
opportunity, Sam.
Johnny Carver.
Hold it, Dave.
You'll have them
Wells Fargo men
back on our hands.
Howdy, Marshal.
Howdy, Johnny.
From the telegrams I got,
seems like I can welcome you
to the side of law and order.
I'm mighty glad to
hear it, young fellow.
Thanks.
How many deputies you got?
Oh, nary a one.
Nothing ever happens
in this one-horse town.
Well, you better hold
your hat, Marshal.
There's a lot more than
one horse back of the hotel,
and men to ride them.
Sam Bass outfit.
Sam Bass?
Why, man, Wells Fargo's
just brought in $50,000
of county money.
So that's what
they're after.
Ain't there no more
Rangers around?
Not within a day's ride.
Well, Johnny, it looks like
it's just you and me.
Yeah, reckon it is
whether we like it or not.
That makes the setup
even more interesting.
You all know the cards
I dealt you.
Let's go play them.
What kind of cards
you gonna deal Carver?
Aces and eights.
Dead man's hand.
Get in the cage, quick.
Take cover behind the desk.
Eddie, Tom,
flat on the floor.
Looks bad, Marshal.
There's always a chance,
son, you'll get the one
with your name on it.
[GUNFIRE]
[BULLETS RICOCHETING]
[CLICKS]
[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]
Take the money
out of the safe and
put it in the bag.
But why?
Don't ask questions, do it.
Grab that tie rail,
break in the door.
It's all there, Ranger.
Much obliged.
But that's the bank's funds
you've got in that...
Drop that gun, Marshal.
Johnny!
Drop it, I tell you,
or this one will
have your name on it.
[BANGING ON DOOR]
What's the deal, Marshal?
You're too late
to rob this bank,
Sam Bass.
That renegade Ranger
Johnny Carver's
just beat you to it.
Did you check on this wire?
Yes, sir, came
direct from Belton.
Old Marshal Gorey
sent it himself.
"John Carver robbed
Belton bank."
I'd have bet my bottom
dollar on that man.
So would I, sir.
Even though I'd
only seen him once.
This is going to
be an awful blow
to the Rangers
when the papers
get through with it.
It's going to be
worse than that.
I sent Buff Smith
north to meet Carver
with a message
of vital importance.
Oh, so we better send out
some "wanted" notices.
There's nothing
else to do.
Wire every Ranger outpost,
every sheriff in the state,
John Carver wanted,
dead or alive.
Right, sir.
Johnny Carver, you are
a worse double-crosser
than the Sundance Kid.
I'm taking you in.
You must have
heard about
the Belton bank job.
Heard about it,
you ornery critter.
They've got "wanted" notices
out on you all over
the state of Texas.
Oh, take it easy, Buff.
I only pulled that job
to save that money
from the Sam Bass gang
and to keep
old Marshal Gorey
from getting shot.
Money's in
a safe place, Buff.
All but what I'm holding
on to buy myself a seat
at Sam Bass' table.
Are you fixing to join
up with that outfit?
That's the only way I can
do a job for the Major
and Danny.
I've got to join them to
find out how to trap them.
Well, tie me tail to tail
with a wildcat.
But, Johnny,
the Major wants us both
back in Austin right away.
What for?
To help guard
the Yankee gold loan.
Yankee gold loan?
Oh, man,
where you have been?
They're loaning Texas
a million dollars cash.
It's coming down Friday.
On the Texas Central?
They're running
a special train for it.
Buff, that's our chance
to lay the Sam Bass outfit
right in the Major's lap.
I'm going into Waco.
No, Johnny, they'll blast
you out of your saddle.
Oh, stop worrying, Buff.
Just bore yourself
a hole in that clump
of trees over there,
and I'll come back
soon to dig you out.
Just a minute, please.
Speaking to me, ma'am?
It is surprising, isn't it?
But, you see,
that's part of my job,
interviewing celebrities.
In your case,
I'm anxious to get some
facts for your obituary.
Reckon I was playing
hooky from school when
that word came up.
It means "death notice."
Oh.
Ain't you a mite
previous, ma'am?
I'm feeling fine.
From what I hear,
there will be a sudden
change for the worse
when Sam Bass
learns you're in town.
So, how about a few
last words for
my next edition?
Why, sure, ma'am.
What about?
I'd like to print,
straight from
your own mouth,
just how it feels to
take a solemn oath
of allegiance to
your native state
and break it.
See you later.
And then to double-cross
your own thieving pals
till you wind up without
a friend in the world,
hunted by the law
and the lawless alike,
every man's hand
against you.
How does it feel,
convict John Carver?
Sister, you wouldn't
be a bad looker
if you'd wipe some
of that printer's ink
off your face and hands.
Sure got a nerve.
I wish he'd go before
Sam Bass finds him.
Too late now.
Look who's coming.
Have some chicken, Sam.
It's mighty tasty.
Before I drop you, Johnny,
why did you pull
that Belton job on me?
I figured it was the only way
I could talk to you
and not start shooting.
You and me has gone
beyond talking, Johnny.
Maybe.
There's a certain deal
coming up
only you and your men
can handle.
SAM: Such as what?
It's about a train
and a million dollars
in cold cash.
Come to think of it,
that chicken does
look pretty good.
Set them up, Rico.
Tell Wes to stop
poking his gun
through those doors.
Makes me nervous.
Okay, boys.
Come on in.
Send the drinks
into the back room,
and bring another
platter of chicken.
JOHNNY: After two years
in the state prison,
I'd have joined
any outfit to get out.
Even the Yankee cavalry.
Especially when I met
a chance to tie the score
with Sundance.
SAM: Was it a fair fight?
As fair as you could
get with Sundance.
He's strictly
a percentage player.
This time,
it was his Winchester
against my six-gun.
What became of that pal
of yours, Buff Smith?
Pals once, but no more.
Buff got religion,
I reckon.
He wanted to stay in
with the Rangers,
so we split up.
If you ain't a Ranger,
what did you do
with that Belton loot?
It's in a safe spot, Sam.
I'll take you to it
someday.
All I want
is my cut of it.
That's an easy
promise, Johnny,
but money talks.
Well, here's some
with a few words to say.
Two thousand I held out
for expenses on
this money train job.
You handle it, Sam.
I'll put you in.
Now, uh, tell us about
that treasure train.
Is that,
that Yankee loan to Texas
I've been reading
in the papers about?
That's right.
Why, that shipment will
carry a whole train-load of
Pinkerton men and Rangers.
Not from the orders I saw
on Major Jones' desk.
It's coming down secret
on the Texas Central
branch from Dallas.
What day?
What train number?
[CHUCKLES]
Sam, I need you
and the men.
But if I told you
everything I know, maybe
you wouldn't need me.
[CHUCKLES]
You win, Johnny.
I figure we all better be
in the vicinity of Round Rock
by Friday morning.
That's my pick of towns
for the job.
SAM: Round Rock
suits me fine.
Depot's right in town,
plenty of cover
and easy getaway.
It's a deal then?
It's a deal.
Okay, boys,
let's clear the table
and play a little draw.
Not me, Sam.
Dude smells so sweet,
I think I'll run over
to Sing Wong's
and get me a bath.
See you later.
So long, partners.
Better see that
he gets over
to Sing Wong's safe.
I wouldn't want anything
to happen to him.
Uh, yeah.
Come on.
Paper, Mr. Carver?
No, thanks,
I've seen it.
Ain't you and Sam Bass
going to shoot it out?
Well, not today, I reckon.
Oh, gee!
Will you do me a favor?
Sure.
Can you keep a secret?
Anything.
Here's a cartwheel for you.
Just lead my pony
up the street to
the livery stable.
Why sure,
and thanks, Johnny.
Want me to unsaddle
and feed him?
No.
Just lead him straight
through the stable
to the back alley,
and then bring him
down the alley behind
Sing Wong's place.
I'll be waiting for you
there. Understand?
You ain't letting
old Sam Bass run you
out of town, are you?
You worry too much, kid.
Now get going.
Got it straight, Buff?
Yeah, sure, Johnny.
I catch the next train
for Austin and I tell
the Major that
you got the Sam Bass
outfit fixing to
rob the gold train
at Round Rock next Friday.
That's right.
Hey, you can square me
with him on that
Belton Bank job, too.
Oh, he'll sure be glad
to know what
you've been doing, too.
Let me get well up the road
before you show yourself.
Move right on in, Johnny.
Get yourself a couple
for the road.
I could use a couple.
Hey, you look slicker
than a wet muskrat.
Enjoyed your bath
over at Wong's?
Yeah, and caught up
on some lost sleep.
Hot tub sure
is wonderful.
I take one every month,
whether I need it or not.
Where did you pick him up?
Over near Dal's, Johnny.
We picked him up
after you left him.
SAM: What about it, Johnny?
JOHNNY: Sure I met him.
I wanted to give him
a last chance
to quit the Rangers
and throw in with us.
Throw in with you?
A man that would rat out
on a friend like the Major
after he got you
out of a prison?
I told you he got religion.
I don't need no religion
to hate polecats like you.
This Rudabaugh,
he shot my pal Danny Bonner
in the back.
Bragged about it to me.
What do you say, Sam?
Let me shut his yap
for good.
Wait a minute, Dave.
You're sure he didn't
have a chance to
send any messages?
Well, he never got out
of that patch of woods.
We've been working
on him all afternoon.
Trying to break down
that sad story of
your busted friendship.
SAM: And no break?
DAVE: Not a crack out of him.
I'll have to admit,
it looks like a real
split-up, all right.
Okay, Johnny,
I guess that puts you
in solid with all of us.
What do you want
done with him?
Let him go.
What he don't know
can't hurt us.
SAM: Oh, it's too late
for that now, Johnny.
I couldn't trust him
out of my sight.
Give him another chance, Sam.
After all he was
a friend of mine once.
SAM: No friend of mine.
Nor mine.
Sorry, Johnny.
[GUNSHOT]
I know how
you feel, Johnny.
But with a million
in gold at stake,
we couldn't
take any chances.
All right, Sam.
Let's start south.
Now you're talking.
Hit the street, boys.
We'll split up and
head for Little River.
Just a minute, Sam.
I've got a little
unfinished business
with that girl in there.
All right, so I was wrong.
You still have some
friends, and a fine crew
they are, too.
Sit down and listen to me.
[GRUNTS]
I've got to make this
look rough, lady,
they're watching every move.
So if you want to help
round up Sam Bass
and his whole outfit,
just sit there
and listen a minute.
[OBJECTS CLATTERING]
Stop it!
Now get this,
I only pulled that bank job
to get in with
the Sam Bass outfit.
I had to use
part of the money.
The rest of it is on its way
back to the bank.
I don't believe
a word you're saying!
Listen, lady,
we're riding south right now.
There's very little time.
You take the night train
to Austin, tell Major Jones
I'm still working for him.
Tell him I've got Sam Bass
and his whole outfit
set to rob the
Yankee gold train
at Round Rock, Friday.
Got that?
Round Rock, Friday.
[CLATTERING CONTINUES]
Now sit down.
[PANTING]
They killed Buff Smith
before he got away
to take word to the Major.
I can't use the telegraph.
Bass has friends
listening in on the line.
You're the only chance left.
Please, Aunt Helen,
he's telling the truth.
You've got to believe!
Nice going, kid.
If she doesn't go,
you take that train.
Here's some money for you.
I wish I could
believe you.
[PANTS]
You'd better believe me.
Maybe this will help
convince you.
[GRUNTS]
Mmm...
Don't worry, Johnny,
she'll go, all right.
Now, lady,
leave my name
out of your paper,
or I'll come back
and do that again.
Was Buff Smith really
killed, Miss Fenton?
Yes. In the Frontier Palace,
I saw the body.
Major, that would
seem to lend
some conviction to
the story Carver
told you.
Yes, but it could
be a trick.
Get our men in
one place, and then rob
the train in another.
Johnny Carver wouldn't
do that, Major.
Honest, he wouldn't.
Jimmy's his champion.
In fact, if it hadn't
been for Jimmy,
I don't think I would
have bothered to
come down to Austin.
And yet
there was a
desperate sort of sincerity
about that man
that you couldn't deny.
Especially that kiss
he give you.
Oh?
Yes, Major,
but by force.
I think it was intended
to amuse the men
looking on from outside
and help put them
off their guard.
Well, my dear,
I've already risked
too much on Carver
to back down now.
We'll see it through,
sink or swim.
When that gold train
rolls into Round Rock,
my men and I will
be there to give
Sam Bass a welcome.
And so will
the Waco Star.
Me, too. Oh, boy!
[IMITATES GUNS FIRING]
[TELEGRAPH CLICKING]
Johnny,
my hat's off to you.
Ah, boys, there's
no doubt about it,
number 44 is our baby.
She's highballing
all the way to Waco
up to Round Rock.
Everything else on
the side track to
give her right away.
Any idea how heavy
she's guarded?
Yeah, she's got
three men with
the money
and the rest
Pinkertons riding
as passengers.
Well, hadn't we better
hightail it for
Round Rock, Sam,
with 44 running free,
she'll be an hour
ahead of schedule.
That's right, Johnny.
Only we ain't going
to Round Rock.
I don't get it, Sam.
If she's free and
makes the first stop there...
Why wait till she stops?
Dave, you remember that
horseshoe bend a couple of
miles north of Round Rock?
Why sure. I run it
many a time when
I was railroading.
44 will be slowed down
to a walk when she
goes through there.
You and Duke
get on, take
over the engine,
uncouple that express car,
leave the rest of the train
and the Pinkertons behind,
and we'll meet you at Cooper's
water tank. [CHUCKLING]
Ah, you're
making history,
Sam.
No one's ever
stolen a moving
train before.
Oh, Dave, as soon
as you've shaken lose
that express car,
give us one long
and one short blast
on the whistle,
so we know
everything's all set.
Right.
One long and one short.
And be sure
you don't forget.
Because if we don't
hear that whistle,
we'll think you messed up
and we'll throw the switch
and ditch the whole train
by the water tower.
Well, give me a third man
for the uncoupling,
and I can't miss.
I reckon
that's me, Sam.
I'm a railroader
from way back.
Now ain't that swell.
No wonder I took
such a fancy to you.
Same here.
You three better get up
the top of the hill,
find a good spot to
get on that engine.
Hey, Sam,
aren't we about
ready to get rid of
that counterfeit?
Sure. As soon as
he uncouples the train.
Much obliged.
[TELEGRAPH CLICKING]
44 just cleared
Temple, Major.
Thanks, Joe.
Less than an
hour more, Captain.
Any sign of any Bass men
in town yet?
No, sir,
not so far.
They should have
been drifting
in long ago,
if they're really
coming here.
Yes, sir.
It doesn't look good.
No.
Well, Miss Fenton,
you take Jimmy
into the waiting room,
and when that
train rolls in,
be sure you keep him
inside till it's all over.
Yes, sir.
But I think I'd
better find a piece
of rope first.
[CHUCKLING]
Ah, Aunt Helen,
I'm going to miss
all the show.
Let's get the boys
headed south.
MAN: Mr. Bass,
I just got a flash from
Round Rock. The whole town
is full of Rangers.
Have a cigar.
Have a cigar
and remember, son,
don't ever trust
nobody's brains
but your own.
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
I'll see you,
and raise you
seven cents.
I reckon this is
the first game
of penny ante
ever played on
a million-dollar table.
[LAUGHING]
I'll raise you
a nickel.
Hurry up with
that pin, Johnny.
Okay, Johnny,
join us up
at the engine.
Something's
wrong, boys.
She's slowing down.
[FOOTSTEPS OVERHEAD]
Hold it, Bill,
they're on the car.
I had Carver
figured right,
he made a move
to warn the Pinkerton man.
Well, that closes him up,
don't it?
On sight.
Now, Duke, now.
[GUN FIRES]
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
There's the signal, Wes.
They made it all right.
Call the men
off that switch.
Get ready to blast
that car open.
[GUNSHOT]
[STEAM HISSING]
[SCREAMING]
Why don't they
slow it down?
Get away
from that truck.
And let you run
her straight
through to Austin?
Nothing doing,
Ranger.
Dave and Johnny
in a tangle.
[GUNS FIRING]
We got to
stop that train.
[HISSING]
[SCREAMING]
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
Trouble signal.
[CONTINUOUS GUNFIRE]
Carver is trying to
signal the Rangers.
Get the men mounted.
Yes, sir.
[TRAIN WHISTLE
CONTINUES BLOWING]
Hurry up, men!
This is for my
kid brother and Buff.
[GUN FIRES]
[SCREAMING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
Here come
the Rangers.
What do you say, Sam?
We shoot it out?
Yeah, this is a showdown.
I'll get Carver and
keep that engine running.
Meet you up the line.
[GUNSHOT]
[BELL RINGING]
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
[CROWD CHEERING]
For me?
Gee, Johnny, thanks.
Shh.
That's 30 for now. Charge
it to the Waco Staraccount.
Yes, miss.
Well, there'll
be an extra on
Waco streets
within a half an hour,
and what a story.
Thanks to you,
Johnny.
Remember what I said
I'd do to you if you put
my name in
your paper again?
Well...
Turn around, son.
[IMITATES GUNS FIRING]
infamous nine-year rule
of the carpetbaggers
that followed the Civil War,
thieves, murderers, and
other fugitive criminals
from every part of the
country found sanctuary
in the state of Texas.
In 1874, the Union Army
of Occupation was withdrawn,
leaving Texas at the mercy
of a horde of ruthless bandits
operating in open defiance of
all existing law enforcement.
Among them were some of
the most dangerous men
in American criminal history.
Such men as
that legendary outlaw,
the terror of
every Texas railroad.
Fares, please.
I'm the new conductor
on the train.
Sam Bass is the name.
Shell out, folks,
shell out all you got.
Travelin' comes
high in Texas
when Sam Bass
is running the train.
Right in the
bag, ma'am.
[FIRES GUN]
Thank you, miss.
Lovely day,
isn't it, ma'am?
NARRATOR: Duke Fisher,
a two-gun stop sign
on any highway.
John Wesley Hardin,
gentleman by birth,
lawyer by training,
killer by instinct.
MARSHAL: Travis County
has law and order
now, Hardin.
What's the
charge, Marshal?
Murder, mayhem,
and highway robbery.
Unbuckle his
belt, Joe.
[FIRES GUN]
NARRATOR: David Rudabaugh,
king of the cattle rustlers.
I'll only
call you, Dave,
but I have
the high hand,
three aces.
[GROANS]
You got the
low hand now, partner.
[COINS CLINKING]
NARRATOR:
And the Sundance Kid,
at double-dealing gent
who only had
one real friend,
the Sundance Kid.
Buff Smith, a good boy
and bad company.
Hold them, Johnny,
till I get mounted.
NARRATOR: John Carver,
the fastest gun in Texas.
Come on, Johnny.
[GROANS]
[GROANS]
Oh, Dad!
Dad!
Dad! [SOBBING]
All right, folks.
All right.
All right.
We'll take charge of them.
They killed
George Fenton.
Is that true,
Miss Helen?
Yes.
These men started
shooting and my father
fell right beside me.
Sorry, ma'am.
He stopped the last one
the Sundance Kid
threw at me.
You're just as
much to blame.
You were in this together,
thieves and murderers.
I'll see you
hang for it.
Let's string them
up right now!
[CROWD CLAMORING]
Wait a minute.
Let's do this according
to law and order.
All right, boys,
take him away.
NARRATOR: To combat
this lawlessness,
the state once again called
into being the Texas Rangers,
demobilized since the
beginning of the Civil War.
Major John B. Jones,
a gallant officer
of the Confederacy,
was placed in command.
And no finer body of
fighting men was ever known.
Within two years,
Major Jones and his Rangers
had brought law and order
to the far-flung
borders of Texas.
It was then that
Sam Bass called together
the remaining bandit leaders
at one of his hideouts
in the Lampasas River region.
All right, gentlemen.
Now that we're all here,
let's get down to cases.
I reckon you know
that I didn't ask you
way down here
just to have a sociable
drink and smoke.
Now let's get
to it, Sam.
I ain't aiming to spend
the night in this swamp.
Hold your horses, Arkansas.
I'm the dealer.
Boys, the way Major Jones
and his Rangers are goin',
we're gonna be holed up
in a worse place than this
if we don't do something
about it, pronto.
Well, there's no
argument there, Sam.
What's your plan?
Organize, Wes.
Put everything we have
into one pot.
Work some big jobs together.
Share and share alike.
Nah, I've always
worked alone.
So have I, Arkansas.
We all like to
play a lone hand.
But where is it
getting us?
How's cattle rustling, Dave?
I haven't moved
a steer in two months.
SAM: You ain't been doing
so good either lately,
have you, Sundance?
You, Duke?
Not you either, Butch.
And, uh, John,
they tell me the Rangers
blew up that last bank job
of yours.
Right my face.
I was lucky to get away.
There you are, boys.
I tell you, there's
only one way to beat
this Major Jones.
Working together, we can
lick any Ranger outfit
they send against us.
They've been
busted up before, and
we can do it again.
Before we're through,
we'll just about own
this part of Texas.
Stock, lock, and barrel.
That's mighty
big talk, Sam Bass.
Seems to me
the kind of outfit
you're proposing
has got to have
a boss, ain't it?
That's right.
I reckon you figure
on being it, ain't you, Sam?
Why you more than me?
I've pulled more and
bigger jobs than you
ever thought of.
You've taken on
a big one now, Arkansas.
Let's see you pull it.
[FIRES GUN]
[GROANS]
Boys,
here's to the Long Riders
Self-Protective Association.
Sam Bass, President.
Major Jones,
I'm not detracting
from the splendid services
you and your Rangers
have rendered over
the past two years.
But this Sam Bass
is making Texas
the laughingstock
of the nation.
Governor, Sam Bass
has organized
the strongest band
of outlaws on record.
Confound it, Major, he's
operating practically within
the shadow of the capital.
And what, may I ask,
have you done about it?
We've tried to
run him to cover, sir.
I've lost 30 good men
within the last month.
Sam Bass strikes
in one county today,
and reappears in
another two days later.
The scoundrel
is becoming a legend.
They're even signing
ballads about him.
Look at my desk, sir.
Piled high with
letters of complaint
and newspaper attacks
on my administration.
Major, we've got
to put Sam Bass
out of business
before the
legislature reconvenes.
That's a tall
order, Governor.
It gives me less
than a month.
But if you don't care
of what methods I use...
Do it any way you can.
Only be on time,
or there won't be
any appropriation.
And that means the end
of the Texas Rangers.
Carver and Smith
in the soup again.
What is it this time?
GUARD 1: They slugged
Keeper Hansen and tried
to go over the wall.
GUARD 2: Well,
pump Carver out
and dry him off
'cause he's wanted
at the warden's office.
Hello, Johnny.
Major Jones.
Excuse me, sir, I...
[CHUCKLES]
The warden's boys
sort of got me
sun-blinded and
waterlogged.
Here, here,
sit down.
Thanks, sir.
It's good to see you.
It's always good
to see an old friend.
[CHUCKLES]
Even in a place
like this.
Looks like your luck kind
of run out on you, Johnny.
Yeah, it's run out
for good, I reckon.
What happened
after the war?
You used to be one
of the best platoon
sergeants I had.
What went wrong?
Got home to find nothing
but a stone chimney
and a heap of charcoal
from a Yankee guerilla raid.
My ma and pa killed,
kid brother wounded.
I got him taken care of,
then I...
Then I joined up
with the border raiders.
One thing led to another.
I reckon you know the rest.
It's too bad.
You'd have made
a fine Ranger.
Not me.
I'd never help send a man
to rot in a hole like this.
Twenty-three more
years to go.
They might as well
have made it life.
They did.
Nobody's ever lasted
more than 10 years in here.
Sergeant, there's
a new war on.
It's not like the one
we fought together.
No flags waving,
no bugle calls.
It's a war of extermination
between my Rangers
and the Sam Bass outfit.
I need your help.
[SCOFFS] What for?
You know all the outlaw
trails and hideouts along
the Lampasas River.
You used to be proud
you were a Texan.
Here's a chance for you to
strike a blow for your state.
I'm more interested
in striking a blow
for Johnny Carver.
What's in it for me?
A parole in my custody
as a probationary Ranger.
The promise of
a full pardon
if you do a good job.
Who's all in
this Sam Bass outfit
you're talking about?
John Wesley Hardin,
David Rudabaugh,
Duke Fisher,
Butch Cassidy.
And the Sundance Kid?
That's right.
Could you get my pal
Buff Smith out on
this same kind of deal?
That was part of
my understanding
with the Governor.
Major, you've got yourself
a couple of new Rangers.
RANGER 1: Well, what do
you know? How do you
call that turn, Bob?
Beats me.
RANGER 2: Some haul
the boss made.
Buff Smith and Johnny Carver,
the fastest gun in Texas.
Yeah.
MAJOR JONES: Bonner.
Danny, meet
Buff Smith
and John Carver.
Bonner?
How are you?
They've joined up with us.
Gee, that's great.
We thought they were
prisoners. [CHUCKLES]
I, uh, didn't catch
the name quite right.
Uh, Bonner,
Danny Bonner.
Take them over
to the mess and
find bunks for them.
They'll be riding out
early in the morning.
Why waste
tonight, Major?
Buff and me could
be well up the line
by morning.
That's all right
with me.
Go over to
the corral, Danny.
Find good mounts
for 'em.
Come in with me, boys,
and get your outfits.
JOHNNY: Yes, sir.
Hello, Major.
Hello, Pete.
How was your trip, sir?
Not too rough.
Anything new?
Yes, sir,
but it's not good.
They got Jim McCoy
up at Granger.
One of our best men.
That makes 31
this month.
This note was
found pinned to
his jacket, sir.
This'll give you
an idea of what you're
up against, Johnny.
"Keep sending them, Major.
We have lots of ammunition."
Signed, Sam Bass.
All right, we've tried
to accommodate
Mr. Bass and company.
Oh, uh, Captain,
meet John Carver
and Buff Smith.
They're joining us
on probation.
Boys, this is Captain Pete,
my second in command.
Howdy, Captain.
Pleased to meet you.
Welcome to
the Rangers.
HELEN: Just a minute, please.
Oh, Major, this young
lady has been
waiting to see you.
Miss Helen Fenton.
She's publisher
of the Waco Star.
Oh, I see.
Well, what is it,
Miss Fenton?
Did I understand
you correctly
just now, Major?
You've taken these men
out of prison to
make Rangers of them?
That's right,
Miss Fenton.
Major Jones,
these two men were
tried and convicted
as accessories to
the murder of my father
two years ago in Waco.
I was a prosecuting witness.
They're
murderous outlaws.
I'm afraid you're allowing
your personal tragedy
to blind you to
reality, Miss Fenton.
Two years ago Texas
was an outlaw state.
Many young men capable
of becoming good citizens
had drifted into
lives of violence.
These men are cases in point.
I think they should
have a chance to
redeem themselves.
Well, then there's no use
in my staying longer.
I was hoping to go back
to Waco and tell
the people of my county
that the Rangers would
soon bring them relief
from Sam Bass.
But you can.
These men are going
to be of great help
in rounding up that gang.
They're the kind
of men we need.
We're fighting fire
with fire, Miss Fenton.
Major Jones,
if the Texas Rangers
have reached so low
in the bottom of the barrel
that there's nothing left
but rotten apples,
there's little hope
for McLennan County.
We might as well
elect Sam Bass sheriff.
Good day, sir.
Phew! That filly
leaves a trail like
a prairie fire.
[DOOR SLAM]
I reckon you'll have
to read the next edition
of the Waco Star
through smoked
glasses, Major.
I'm afraid so.
Now, boys, if you'll
take a look at this map.
The last four jobs
Sam Bass pulled
we all between
Little River and Waco.
Ah, that means
they're working out of
Lampasas River country,
all right, Major.
Yes, and Bass now has
enough gunfighters
to block every known path
and ambush my men
when they try
to follow him.
Now I want you to
locate his hideout
in the bottom lands
and spot an unguarded path
through the river timber.
I reckon Buff and me
know about
100 deer trails.
They can't
block them all.
Right and when you're
all set, report back to me.
I'll be a day's ride
behind you with all the
men I can assemble.
And you'll lead us in
for a surprise attack.
Any questions?
Reckon not.
You, Buff?
No.
Say, Major,
didn't I...
Well...
Didn't I smell chewing
meat on the fire out there,
when we drove by?
That's right, Buff.
The mess cook will
fix you up with
all you want.
Oh, man, oh, man!
This will be the first
time I sat down to three
or four T-bones in...
In two years.
Just a minute, Buff.
Now, boys, raise
your right hands.
Repeat after me.
I solemnly swear...
BOTH: I solemnly swear...
...to render loyal service
to the State of Texas.
BOTH: ...to render loyal
service to the State of Texas.
Danny.
Hi, Buff.
Johnny, gee, you could
have knocked me over
with a broom straw
when I saw you and Buff
ride in. [CHUCKLES]
How'd you do it?
Your name is
Danny Bonner, eh?
What's the idea, kid?
Ashamed to be known
as my brother?
That wasn't it, Johnny,
you know it wasn't.
I never have been
ashamed of you.
I told you that
in my letters.
They don't give
you any mail
in that prison, Danny.
What about the
packages I sent you?
I expect our
keepers enjoy them.
Oh, no wonder you thought
I'd turned on you.
No, I only took
Uncle Bonner's name
because...
Well because I was afraid
they wouldn't let me in
the Rangers
if they knew about...
Well, that's the only
reason. That was all.
Oh, look, Johnny,
how could I have
been ashamed of you?
I've carried
this medal of yours,
haven't I, ever since
you came back from the war?
Now I can show it
to everybody and let 'em
know we're brothers.
No, not yet, kid.
Why not? Your being
in the Rangers makes
everything just fine.
We can go
to the Major and...
No, nothing doing.
Let things ride
as they are.
I get it. You want to prove
yourself first, that's it.
Sure. That's it.
Well, look, if you'll go
to the Major and put in
a good word for me,
he'll let me string along
with you and Buff
on my first field job.
Oh, not a chance, Danny.
This is special,
just for Buff and me.
Take care
of yourself.
When he was born, Buff,
he weighed four and
a half pounds on a hook.
Well, he's a grownup
Texas longhorn now.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Gosh, Aunt Helen.
Johnny Carver's
the only man in Texas
who'll slap leather
faster than Sam Bass.
[IMITATES GUN FIRING]
Oh, Sam Bass is faster
than him with both hands.
[IMITATES GUN FIRING]
Yeah?
Yeah!
Hey, hey, we've enough bandit
killers in Texas without
you two joining up.
Now get these
papers delivered.
Yes, ma'am.
But I'd still like to be
around when Johnny Carver
and Sam Bass meet up.
Miss Helen.
Sam Bass and a bunch
of gunfighters just
rode into town.
They set themselves up
in the Frontier Palace,
just as cool as you please.
Where's the Marshal
and his deputy?
When last seen,
he was heading south.
Coward!
No wonder our boys make
heroes of these murderers.
Miss Helen, you ain't
going to the Palace.
Where else?
I run a newspaper, Pete.
It's my job to interview
celebrities when
they come to town.
Leave it to me,
Mr. Bass.
Supper for 9:00 and
everything the best.
And everything
on the house.
[STAMMERS] Oh, of course.
It's a great pleasure, sir.
Bill, Charlie,
set the big table.
Nice fella, huh?
Real hospitable
town, Waco.
We should come
here more often.
Oh, boys. Wes,
that Belton Bank job
is ripe
and ready for us
to pluck off the limb.
Ah, that penny-ante
piggy bank isn't worth
the trip, Sam.
She will be by the
time we get there.
I got news from the
boys down south today.
Wells Fargo is coming in
with a big bundle of cash
and we're really gonna...
You're Sam Bass,
aren't you?
That's right, ma'am,
but you have
the advantage of me.
I'm Helen Fenton,
publisher of the Waco Star.
Pleased to know
you, ma'am.
What can I do for you?
Just one thing.
You and these hyenas
of yours can climb right
back on those horses
outside and let
the people of Waco
breathe clean air again.
My name ain't "hyena" sister,
it's Dave Rudabaugh.
I know.
I have all your photographs
back at the office.
You're John Wesley
Hardin and
you're Duke Fisher
and you're Butch Cassidy.
And who am I, sister?
You're the Sundance Kid.
[GASPS]
Easy, Sundance.
I don't go for
beating women.
What was I gonna do?
Let her shoot me?
Where did you get this talk
about Johnny Carver?
What talk is that?
Read it.
Says there that Johnny Carver
is out of prison and
joined the Rangers.
Him and Buff Smith.
Maybe that's
the best way out
for Texas after all.
Make Rangers out of half
the outlaws and you can fight
it out among yourselves
till you're all
killed off.
Ah, you talk
too much, sister.
See the lady
to the door, Wes.
I can find the door
without assistance.
Boys, this is a deeper
creek than we think
and full of quicksand.
The gal says here,
the Major told her
that Buff and Johnny
were gonna help
the Rangers round us up.
That means they should
be riding north.
Hmm, I can't figure
them two turning Ranger.
BUTCH: I can.
You know 'em?
Raised in
the same town.
They was both in
Major Jones' cavalry.
Always bragging about what
a great fellow Jones was.
That explains
things, Butch.
I know those hombres,too.
They're bad medicine.
We don't want them
north of the Lampasas.
SUNDANCE: Leave them
to me, Sam.
I got a special hate
on them two sidewinders
for that double cross
they gave me here
in Waco two years back.
Oh, that's not the way
I heard it, Sundance.
Then you
heard it wrong.
[GLASS SHATTERING]
Would like to wade
into it any deeper,
huh, Wes?
None of that,
there'll be no gunplay
among ourselves.
Wes, get over to
the telegraph office.
Jeff and Bart are down
in Belton casing that
bank job for us.
Wire them and tell them
to look out for Carver
and Smith
at Pecos Palmer's
place in Granger.
That's a good
idea, Sam.
Sundance, take a couple
of the boys and head
south right now.
I want those two
stopped below Belton,
so they won't interfere
with that bank job
tomorrow.
It's a pleasure, Sam.
But I won't need any help.
I know a spot where
I can Winchester
the both of them
right out of
their saddles.
Suit yourself, Kid.
On the way down,
stop in on
the telegraph operator.
He might have some news
from Pecos Palmer.
Boys, who's pouring?
You know, Johnny,
I keep remembering
all them pretty words
to that oath
the Major gave us
back in Austin.
"I do solemnly swear
to render faithful service
to the State of Texas."
[CHUCKLES] Now, that's
the first time I ever
swore without cussing.
Pecos Palmer's place
is just up ahead.
We got to pick up
the Sundance Kid's
trail there.
We ain't going gunning
for that snake
first, are we?
We are if I can
smoke him out.
But the Major's orders
was for us to locate...
Look, let me do
the figuring.
Sundance is our
personal business.
You owe him as much
as I do, don't you?
Oh, sure, Johnny, but
we swore by the good book.
And Sundance is first
in my book, tonight,
tomorrow, or the day after.
Nobody I know,
except Pecos the barkeep.
Uh, them two
at the bar.
Appears like to me
I've seen 'em before
someplace,
in Sam Bass' gang.
Trail's heating up.
Well, well, Rangers
Johnny Carver
and Buff Smith.
Be careful of
your language, boys,
the law is with us.
How'd you hear about us
so soon, Pecos?
Sundance Kid send
you a telegram?
Sundance Kid?
Never heard of him.
What'll it be, Rangers?
Reckon this
ought to be safe.
Your whiskey is
bad enough, Pecos,
without
a shot of rat poison.
Who belongs to that
straw pony outside?
How do I know?
I ain't been outside.
I reckon that's
my pony you're asking
about, Ranger.
What's it to you?
Mighty nice-looking pony.
Boys must have been
in a big hurry,
getting here the same day
you crossed the Lampasas.
We like to ride fast.
Any objections?
No. Just wondering,
that's all.
Who sent you down
to meet us?
Sam Bass or
the Sundance Kid?
Talk fast.
Where's Sundance?
Just keep heading
north, he'll be watching
for you, Ranger.
Let's ride.
So long, Pecos,
you better not
be here on
our return trip.
You won't like
that water cure up
at the state prison.
He'll wire somewhere
up the line.
Sundance will know
we're after him.
Doggone it, Johnny,
he'll hole up some
place then, won't he?
No, not him,
he won't run.
We'll have to do more
looking behind us
than in front of us.
Howdy, Sundance.
Wait till I sign off.
Man, this line's
been hot.
Anything I ought
to know?
Yeah, Pecos Palmer
wired up to Marshal Gorey
at Belton about
a shooting down
at his place.
Is that for me?
At my usual
rate, Sundance.
Much obliged.
Pecos said
a couple of Rangers,
Carver and Smith by name,
had a set-to with
Jeff Barton and Bart Howard.
Yeah?
Who won?
The Rangers.
Still riding north,
looking for you,
Pecos said.
Hmm, that's funny,
I'm looking for them.
You know, I'm getting
to like this Ranger business
more and more. [CHUCKLES]
That was the first time
I ever used the gun
with a clear conscience.
Man, last time I rode
through this part
of the country,
I had old Marshal
Gorey in a posse
riding herd on me.
How'd you
shake 'em off?
Hmm?
Oh, I holed up in
some of them trees
over yonder.
He rode right on by me.
Show me, we'll see
what's following.
Somebody following us?
Yeah, they have been
ever since the morning.
What's the
big idea, kid?
The Major sent me.
He got word that
Sam Bass and his gang
are in Waco and...
[PANTS]
...they're coming south.
Why'd he pick you?
DANNY: I don't know.
Guess he figured wasn't
a better man I could work
with on my first field job.
He's stalling.
He knows who you are
and sent you out
because he don't
trust me to go through
with the job.
DANNY: Oh, no, Johnny,
you got him all wrong.
He knows you wouldn't
back out once you've
started something.
Yeah, once...
[CLEARS THROAT]
You know, I sure have
been getting out of practice
with this thing lately.
You know I took a shot
last night at 10 feet
and it was over
an inch and
a half high? Ha!
Hey, the fella what put
up that sign over there
forgot to dot the "I's."
[GUNSHOT]
Oh, it's still an inch high.
[GUN FIRING]
Hey, now that's pretty
good shooting, Johnny.
Well, nail me up to
a barn door to dry.
Say, where'd you learn
to shoot like that?
[CHUCKLES]
I had a pretty
good teacher.
[HORSES APPROACHING]
[COCKS RIFLE]
That'll be Sundance.
And just as
itchy-fingered as ever.
Hold it.
You two stay here.
Johnny, he ain't
likely to be alone.
That's something
I'll have to find out
for myself.
I'd feel pretty good
with not taking you
into an ambush.
Buff, you keep him here
if you have to throw
and hog-tie him.
[URGES HORSE]
[RIFLE CLICKS]
See what you've done
by tagging after us?
Turned a doggone
good Ranger into
a doggone nursemaid!
Lie real quiet, Sundance.
Let go of that Winchester.
I could let you have it in
the back, like you did me,
but that would be
too easy on you.
Rise and reach.
Higher.
All right, Ranger,
what's next?
Take one hand down
slowly to that belt buckle
and open her up.
Slowly, I said.
Major Jones is sure gonna
be happy to see you.
I want you to get a taste
of that waterhole
at the state pen.
I'd like to see you
after the warden's boys
get through playing with
you for a month or so.
[GUNSHOT]
Somebody got it!
Yeah, but which one?
Can't wait here
to find out.
Johnny, you got him!
Man, oh, man,
that last shot had
us both worried.
Where'd you leave
the Major's outfit?
Down at Round Rock.
They should be making
Pecos Palmer's by sundown.
Take this load
of buzzard meat
and deliver it to them.
But if we push on fast,
we got a chance to
get our job done
while the gang's still
north of the river.
That's the Major's job.
I've finished mine.
I don't get it.
Give the Major my thanks.
Tell him not to worry
about Buff and me anymore.
We're leaving
Texas for good.
But you gave him your word,
your solemn oath.
It's the promises
I make to myself
that count with me,
and I kept that one.
Johnny, wait.
There's nothing to
argue about, kid.
One Ranger in
the family's enough.
Come on, Buff.
You're not
going anywhere.
Get your hands up.
You know you
couldn't shoot.
If you don't think so,
just try for your gun.
Buff, I could give this
fool kid a one-shot
edge and still get him.
But I don't want
to hurt him.
Take his gun away
for me.
I'm sorry, Johnny.
I'm stringing with Danny.
And you know
you can't give me
no one-shot edge.
Get his gun belt, Danny.
Belton's the next
town north.
I'm turning you over
to the Marshal there,
and then
I'm gonna do the job
that you were
sent out to do,
locate Sam Bass' hideout.
Why, you don't know
one trail from another.
But I do.
Hot news from down
the line, boss.
Johnny Carver, Buff Smith,
and another Ranger just
rode into Little River
with the Sundance Kid,
dead and tied to his saddle.
How long ago?
Not more than
an hour.
The operator at
Little River wired up
to Belton.
They left Sundance's body
and rode on north.
Guess Sundance wasn't
as handy with that
Winchester as he figured.
Butch, Dave, take three
of the boys and see
that Carver outfit
stopped south of Belton.
We can't have them
riding in on that bank job
tomorrow morning.
Luke, Connor, Hilton.
Come on, Dave,
let's go.
[ALL URGING HORSES]
From here, boys, we drift
on into Belton easy-like.
Meet up at the
Rancher Hotel tonight.
Get 'em started, John.
You two have everything
it takes to be Rangers
except brains.
If Sam Bass is
riding south like
the Major told you,
he ought to be pretty
near here by now.
I don't like to riding
into his reception
committee empty-handed.
It's a good try,
but no deal.
Let's take cover here.
It'll be easy pickings
when they stop for water.
Yeah.
Tie 'em up to
the trees, boys.
Luke, take that
rock over there.
All right. Go.
Over there.
I'll take Carver.
All right.
[COCKS RIFLE]
I'll nail the kid.
[GUNFIRE]
Johnny!
[FIRES]
[GROANS]
[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]
[URGES HORSE]
[GROANS]
Why didn't you
keep going?
Hit bad?
Nah, just a scratch.
In the back.
That slug was meant for you.
Get one of
the canteens.
[SIGHS] Thanks.
I'm all right.
Reckon we better
take you back south
to the Major
instead of going on
to Belton.
Give Buff your gun.
It's all right, Danny.
I'm gonna take you
back to the Major.
[CHUCKLES]
I knew you couldn't
run out on us.
No more then you could
have pulled that trigger
on me, Danny.
Buff, get my pony,
will you?
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Be ready to travel
in a minute.
[EXHALES] As soon
as I catch breath.
Sure, kid.
Right away.
It's 4:00 now.
We can be at
the Lampasas by 8:00.
[CONTINUES BREATHING HEAVILY]
It's kind of...
It's kind of dark for 4:00,
ain't it, Johnny?
[CHUCKLES]
It's clouding up
a bit, Danny.
Seems like an northern's
coming on.
We'll telegraph the Major
a report from Little River.
Only...
Only we'll sign it John
and Daniel Carver.
No more of this Bonner
stuff [GROANS] for me.
Oh...
Uh...
Next chance I get...
Can you get me
one of them fancy...
Fancy watch fobs
that dudes wear?
I'm gonna hang
this medal in plain sight,
where everybody can see it.
I'll get one
for you myself,
Danny.
Folks'll ask me, they'll say,
"Son, where did
you get that medal?"
And I'll say...
Say, "My brother Johnny
"won it fighting at Shiloh.
"Fighting for Texas."
You're talking
too much now, Danny.
Take it easy a bit.
Yeah.
You're right,
Ranger.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Johnny...
Johnny, I can't see.
Johnny.
Danny.
[DYING GASP]
Danny.
Bet you never knowed
he was Johnny's brother,
huh, Major?
I knew who he
was all along.
In fact, it was something
he said about
being men in prison who
would make good Rangers
if they had the chance
that started me
working on getting
you and Johnny out.
Johnny wanted me to ask
you to have him buried
under his right name.
Of course.
I'll take him back
to Austin with us.
He'll rest in the state
cemetery, along with
a lot of other good Texans.
You're going back
to Austin, Major?
We've been ordered back.
But what about Johnny?
He'll be working up there,
trailing Sam Bass
and figuring you're
right behind him.
You know how to
make contact with him?
Well, we figured out a place
about four miles this side
of Waco to meet.
You better get ready
to start north again, Buff.
I'll give you your final
instructions before you go.
Yes, sir.
There it is.
50,000 cash and
new Yankee folding money.
Good as gold
and easier to carry.
Wells Fargo's
smartening up.
Look at all
them guards.
Yeah, but they'll
be pulling out soon.
Their responsibility
ends with delivery.
They put in,
we take out.
So long, Marshal.
[DRIVER URGING HORSES]
Howdy, Dave.
Man, you look all beat.
Where's Butch
and the others?
Is Sam inside?
MAN: Yeah.
Room 22. Second floor.
I don't get it, Dave.
Five of you against
three, and you still
couldn't pull it off.
Sam, it was just
one of those things.
Carver got Cassidy
and the rest of the boys
with a few lucky shots.
I was the only one
left and had to
get out of there.
Looks like I'll have
to make Carver my own
personal business.
MAN: Here's your
opportunity, Sam.
Johnny Carver.
Hold it, Dave.
You'll have them
Wells Fargo men
back on our hands.
Howdy, Marshal.
Howdy, Johnny.
From the telegrams I got,
seems like I can welcome you
to the side of law and order.
I'm mighty glad to
hear it, young fellow.
Thanks.
How many deputies you got?
Oh, nary a one.
Nothing ever happens
in this one-horse town.
Well, you better hold
your hat, Marshal.
There's a lot more than
one horse back of the hotel,
and men to ride them.
Sam Bass outfit.
Sam Bass?
Why, man, Wells Fargo's
just brought in $50,000
of county money.
So that's what
they're after.
Ain't there no more
Rangers around?
Not within a day's ride.
Well, Johnny, it looks like
it's just you and me.
Yeah, reckon it is
whether we like it or not.
That makes the setup
even more interesting.
You all know the cards
I dealt you.
Let's go play them.
What kind of cards
you gonna deal Carver?
Aces and eights.
Dead man's hand.
Get in the cage, quick.
Take cover behind the desk.
Eddie, Tom,
flat on the floor.
Looks bad, Marshal.
There's always a chance,
son, you'll get the one
with your name on it.
[GUNFIRE]
[BULLETS RICOCHETING]
[CLICKS]
[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]
Take the money
out of the safe and
put it in the bag.
But why?
Don't ask questions, do it.
Grab that tie rail,
break in the door.
It's all there, Ranger.
Much obliged.
But that's the bank's funds
you've got in that...
Drop that gun, Marshal.
Johnny!
Drop it, I tell you,
or this one will
have your name on it.
[BANGING ON DOOR]
What's the deal, Marshal?
You're too late
to rob this bank,
Sam Bass.
That renegade Ranger
Johnny Carver's
just beat you to it.
Did you check on this wire?
Yes, sir, came
direct from Belton.
Old Marshal Gorey
sent it himself.
"John Carver robbed
Belton bank."
I'd have bet my bottom
dollar on that man.
So would I, sir.
Even though I'd
only seen him once.
This is going to
be an awful blow
to the Rangers
when the papers
get through with it.
It's going to be
worse than that.
I sent Buff Smith
north to meet Carver
with a message
of vital importance.
Oh, so we better send out
some "wanted" notices.
There's nothing
else to do.
Wire every Ranger outpost,
every sheriff in the state,
John Carver wanted,
dead or alive.
Right, sir.
Johnny Carver, you are
a worse double-crosser
than the Sundance Kid.
I'm taking you in.
You must have
heard about
the Belton bank job.
Heard about it,
you ornery critter.
They've got "wanted" notices
out on you all over
the state of Texas.
Oh, take it easy, Buff.
I only pulled that job
to save that money
from the Sam Bass gang
and to keep
old Marshal Gorey
from getting shot.
Money's in
a safe place, Buff.
All but what I'm holding
on to buy myself a seat
at Sam Bass' table.
Are you fixing to join
up with that outfit?
That's the only way I can
do a job for the Major
and Danny.
I've got to join them to
find out how to trap them.
Well, tie me tail to tail
with a wildcat.
But, Johnny,
the Major wants us both
back in Austin right away.
What for?
To help guard
the Yankee gold loan.
Yankee gold loan?
Oh, man,
where you have been?
They're loaning Texas
a million dollars cash.
It's coming down Friday.
On the Texas Central?
They're running
a special train for it.
Buff, that's our chance
to lay the Sam Bass outfit
right in the Major's lap.
I'm going into Waco.
No, Johnny, they'll blast
you out of your saddle.
Oh, stop worrying, Buff.
Just bore yourself
a hole in that clump
of trees over there,
and I'll come back
soon to dig you out.
Just a minute, please.
Speaking to me, ma'am?
It is surprising, isn't it?
But, you see,
that's part of my job,
interviewing celebrities.
In your case,
I'm anxious to get some
facts for your obituary.
Reckon I was playing
hooky from school when
that word came up.
It means "death notice."
Oh.
Ain't you a mite
previous, ma'am?
I'm feeling fine.
From what I hear,
there will be a sudden
change for the worse
when Sam Bass
learns you're in town.
So, how about a few
last words for
my next edition?
Why, sure, ma'am.
What about?
I'd like to print,
straight from
your own mouth,
just how it feels to
take a solemn oath
of allegiance to
your native state
and break it.
See you later.
And then to double-cross
your own thieving pals
till you wind up without
a friend in the world,
hunted by the law
and the lawless alike,
every man's hand
against you.
How does it feel,
convict John Carver?
Sister, you wouldn't
be a bad looker
if you'd wipe some
of that printer's ink
off your face and hands.
Sure got a nerve.
I wish he'd go before
Sam Bass finds him.
Too late now.
Look who's coming.
Have some chicken, Sam.
It's mighty tasty.
Before I drop you, Johnny,
why did you pull
that Belton job on me?
I figured it was the only way
I could talk to you
and not start shooting.
You and me has gone
beyond talking, Johnny.
Maybe.
There's a certain deal
coming up
only you and your men
can handle.
SAM: Such as what?
It's about a train
and a million dollars
in cold cash.
Come to think of it,
that chicken does
look pretty good.
Set them up, Rico.
Tell Wes to stop
poking his gun
through those doors.
Makes me nervous.
Okay, boys.
Come on in.
Send the drinks
into the back room,
and bring another
platter of chicken.
JOHNNY: After two years
in the state prison,
I'd have joined
any outfit to get out.
Even the Yankee cavalry.
Especially when I met
a chance to tie the score
with Sundance.
SAM: Was it a fair fight?
As fair as you could
get with Sundance.
He's strictly
a percentage player.
This time,
it was his Winchester
against my six-gun.
What became of that pal
of yours, Buff Smith?
Pals once, but no more.
Buff got religion,
I reckon.
He wanted to stay in
with the Rangers,
so we split up.
If you ain't a Ranger,
what did you do
with that Belton loot?
It's in a safe spot, Sam.
I'll take you to it
someday.
All I want
is my cut of it.
That's an easy
promise, Johnny,
but money talks.
Well, here's some
with a few words to say.
Two thousand I held out
for expenses on
this money train job.
You handle it, Sam.
I'll put you in.
Now, uh, tell us about
that treasure train.
Is that,
that Yankee loan to Texas
I've been reading
in the papers about?
That's right.
Why, that shipment will
carry a whole train-load of
Pinkerton men and Rangers.
Not from the orders I saw
on Major Jones' desk.
It's coming down secret
on the Texas Central
branch from Dallas.
What day?
What train number?
[CHUCKLES]
Sam, I need you
and the men.
But if I told you
everything I know, maybe
you wouldn't need me.
[CHUCKLES]
You win, Johnny.
I figure we all better be
in the vicinity of Round Rock
by Friday morning.
That's my pick of towns
for the job.
SAM: Round Rock
suits me fine.
Depot's right in town,
plenty of cover
and easy getaway.
It's a deal then?
It's a deal.
Okay, boys,
let's clear the table
and play a little draw.
Not me, Sam.
Dude smells so sweet,
I think I'll run over
to Sing Wong's
and get me a bath.
See you later.
So long, partners.
Better see that
he gets over
to Sing Wong's safe.
I wouldn't want anything
to happen to him.
Uh, yeah.
Come on.
Paper, Mr. Carver?
No, thanks,
I've seen it.
Ain't you and Sam Bass
going to shoot it out?
Well, not today, I reckon.
Oh, gee!
Will you do me a favor?
Sure.
Can you keep a secret?
Anything.
Here's a cartwheel for you.
Just lead my pony
up the street to
the livery stable.
Why sure,
and thanks, Johnny.
Want me to unsaddle
and feed him?
No.
Just lead him straight
through the stable
to the back alley,
and then bring him
down the alley behind
Sing Wong's place.
I'll be waiting for you
there. Understand?
You ain't letting
old Sam Bass run you
out of town, are you?
You worry too much, kid.
Now get going.
Got it straight, Buff?
Yeah, sure, Johnny.
I catch the next train
for Austin and I tell
the Major that
you got the Sam Bass
outfit fixing to
rob the gold train
at Round Rock next Friday.
That's right.
Hey, you can square me
with him on that
Belton Bank job, too.
Oh, he'll sure be glad
to know what
you've been doing, too.
Let me get well up the road
before you show yourself.
Move right on in, Johnny.
Get yourself a couple
for the road.
I could use a couple.
Hey, you look slicker
than a wet muskrat.
Enjoyed your bath
over at Wong's?
Yeah, and caught up
on some lost sleep.
Hot tub sure
is wonderful.
I take one every month,
whether I need it or not.
Where did you pick him up?
Over near Dal's, Johnny.
We picked him up
after you left him.
SAM: What about it, Johnny?
JOHNNY: Sure I met him.
I wanted to give him
a last chance
to quit the Rangers
and throw in with us.
Throw in with you?
A man that would rat out
on a friend like the Major
after he got you
out of a prison?
I told you he got religion.
I don't need no religion
to hate polecats like you.
This Rudabaugh,
he shot my pal Danny Bonner
in the back.
Bragged about it to me.
What do you say, Sam?
Let me shut his yap
for good.
Wait a minute, Dave.
You're sure he didn't
have a chance to
send any messages?
Well, he never got out
of that patch of woods.
We've been working
on him all afternoon.
Trying to break down
that sad story of
your busted friendship.
SAM: And no break?
DAVE: Not a crack out of him.
I'll have to admit,
it looks like a real
split-up, all right.
Okay, Johnny,
I guess that puts you
in solid with all of us.
What do you want
done with him?
Let him go.
What he don't know
can't hurt us.
SAM: Oh, it's too late
for that now, Johnny.
I couldn't trust him
out of my sight.
Give him another chance, Sam.
After all he was
a friend of mine once.
SAM: No friend of mine.
Nor mine.
Sorry, Johnny.
[GUNSHOT]
I know how
you feel, Johnny.
But with a million
in gold at stake,
we couldn't
take any chances.
All right, Sam.
Let's start south.
Now you're talking.
Hit the street, boys.
We'll split up and
head for Little River.
Just a minute, Sam.
I've got a little
unfinished business
with that girl in there.
All right, so I was wrong.
You still have some
friends, and a fine crew
they are, too.
Sit down and listen to me.
[GRUNTS]
I've got to make this
look rough, lady,
they're watching every move.
So if you want to help
round up Sam Bass
and his whole outfit,
just sit there
and listen a minute.
[OBJECTS CLATTERING]
Stop it!
Now get this,
I only pulled that bank job
to get in with
the Sam Bass outfit.
I had to use
part of the money.
The rest of it is on its way
back to the bank.
I don't believe
a word you're saying!
Listen, lady,
we're riding south right now.
There's very little time.
You take the night train
to Austin, tell Major Jones
I'm still working for him.
Tell him I've got Sam Bass
and his whole outfit
set to rob the
Yankee gold train
at Round Rock, Friday.
Got that?
Round Rock, Friday.
[CLATTERING CONTINUES]
Now sit down.
[PANTING]
They killed Buff Smith
before he got away
to take word to the Major.
I can't use the telegraph.
Bass has friends
listening in on the line.
You're the only chance left.
Please, Aunt Helen,
he's telling the truth.
You've got to believe!
Nice going, kid.
If she doesn't go,
you take that train.
Here's some money for you.
I wish I could
believe you.
[PANTS]
You'd better believe me.
Maybe this will help
convince you.
[GRUNTS]
Mmm...
Don't worry, Johnny,
she'll go, all right.
Now, lady,
leave my name
out of your paper,
or I'll come back
and do that again.
Was Buff Smith really
killed, Miss Fenton?
Yes. In the Frontier Palace,
I saw the body.
Major, that would
seem to lend
some conviction to
the story Carver
told you.
Yes, but it could
be a trick.
Get our men in
one place, and then rob
the train in another.
Johnny Carver wouldn't
do that, Major.
Honest, he wouldn't.
Jimmy's his champion.
In fact, if it hadn't
been for Jimmy,
I don't think I would
have bothered to
come down to Austin.
And yet
there was a
desperate sort of sincerity
about that man
that you couldn't deny.
Especially that kiss
he give you.
Oh?
Yes, Major,
but by force.
I think it was intended
to amuse the men
looking on from outside
and help put them
off their guard.
Well, my dear,
I've already risked
too much on Carver
to back down now.
We'll see it through,
sink or swim.
When that gold train
rolls into Round Rock,
my men and I will
be there to give
Sam Bass a welcome.
And so will
the Waco Star.
Me, too. Oh, boy!
[IMITATES GUNS FIRING]
[TELEGRAPH CLICKING]
Johnny,
my hat's off to you.
Ah, boys, there's
no doubt about it,
number 44 is our baby.
She's highballing
all the way to Waco
up to Round Rock.
Everything else on
the side track to
give her right away.
Any idea how heavy
she's guarded?
Yeah, she's got
three men with
the money
and the rest
Pinkertons riding
as passengers.
Well, hadn't we better
hightail it for
Round Rock, Sam,
with 44 running free,
she'll be an hour
ahead of schedule.
That's right, Johnny.
Only we ain't going
to Round Rock.
I don't get it, Sam.
If she's free and
makes the first stop there...
Why wait till she stops?
Dave, you remember that
horseshoe bend a couple of
miles north of Round Rock?
Why sure. I run it
many a time when
I was railroading.
44 will be slowed down
to a walk when she
goes through there.
You and Duke
get on, take
over the engine,
uncouple that express car,
leave the rest of the train
and the Pinkertons behind,
and we'll meet you at Cooper's
water tank. [CHUCKLING]
Ah, you're
making history,
Sam.
No one's ever
stolen a moving
train before.
Oh, Dave, as soon
as you've shaken lose
that express car,
give us one long
and one short blast
on the whistle,
so we know
everything's all set.
Right.
One long and one short.
And be sure
you don't forget.
Because if we don't
hear that whistle,
we'll think you messed up
and we'll throw the switch
and ditch the whole train
by the water tower.
Well, give me a third man
for the uncoupling,
and I can't miss.
I reckon
that's me, Sam.
I'm a railroader
from way back.
Now ain't that swell.
No wonder I took
such a fancy to you.
Same here.
You three better get up
the top of the hill,
find a good spot to
get on that engine.
Hey, Sam,
aren't we about
ready to get rid of
that counterfeit?
Sure. As soon as
he uncouples the train.
Much obliged.
[TELEGRAPH CLICKING]
44 just cleared
Temple, Major.
Thanks, Joe.
Less than an
hour more, Captain.
Any sign of any Bass men
in town yet?
No, sir,
not so far.
They should have
been drifting
in long ago,
if they're really
coming here.
Yes, sir.
It doesn't look good.
No.
Well, Miss Fenton,
you take Jimmy
into the waiting room,
and when that
train rolls in,
be sure you keep him
inside till it's all over.
Yes, sir.
But I think I'd
better find a piece
of rope first.
[CHUCKLING]
Ah, Aunt Helen,
I'm going to miss
all the show.
Let's get the boys
headed south.
MAN: Mr. Bass,
I just got a flash from
Round Rock. The whole town
is full of Rangers.
Have a cigar.
Have a cigar
and remember, son,
don't ever trust
nobody's brains
but your own.
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
I'll see you,
and raise you
seven cents.
I reckon this is
the first game
of penny ante
ever played on
a million-dollar table.
[LAUGHING]
I'll raise you
a nickel.
Hurry up with
that pin, Johnny.
Okay, Johnny,
join us up
at the engine.
Something's
wrong, boys.
She's slowing down.
[FOOTSTEPS OVERHEAD]
Hold it, Bill,
they're on the car.
I had Carver
figured right,
he made a move
to warn the Pinkerton man.
Well, that closes him up,
don't it?
On sight.
Now, Duke, now.
[GUN FIRES]
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
There's the signal, Wes.
They made it all right.
Call the men
off that switch.
Get ready to blast
that car open.
[GUNSHOT]
[STEAM HISSING]
[SCREAMING]
Why don't they
slow it down?
Get away
from that truck.
And let you run
her straight
through to Austin?
Nothing doing,
Ranger.
Dave and Johnny
in a tangle.
[GUNS FIRING]
We got to
stop that train.
[HISSING]
[SCREAMING]
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
Trouble signal.
[CONTINUOUS GUNFIRE]
Carver is trying to
signal the Rangers.
Get the men mounted.
Yes, sir.
[TRAIN WHISTLE
CONTINUES BLOWING]
Hurry up, men!
This is for my
kid brother and Buff.
[GUN FIRES]
[SCREAMING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
Here come
the Rangers.
What do you say, Sam?
We shoot it out?
Yeah, this is a showdown.
I'll get Carver and
keep that engine running.
Meet you up the line.
[GUNSHOT]
[BELL RINGING]
[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]
[CROWD CHEERING]
For me?
Gee, Johnny, thanks.
Shh.
That's 30 for now. Charge
it to the Waco Staraccount.
Yes, miss.
Well, there'll
be an extra on
Waco streets
within a half an hour,
and what a story.
Thanks to you,
Johnny.
Remember what I said
I'd do to you if you put
my name in
your paper again?
Well...
Turn around, son.
[IMITATES GUNS FIRING]