Winds of the Wasteland (1936) Movie Script
1
[ Music ]
[ Chanting and shouting ]
I think they're plum crazy to
do away with the Pony Express.
So do I but they claim this new
fangled telegraph will be a lot of faster.
It won't work. You mark my words.
Who ever heard of sending messages over a piece of wire?
[ Laughs ]
What are you going to do now Jim?
Punch cows again I reckon.
Seems pretty tame after a Pony Express ride.
Yeah. I guess I'll hunt buffalo.
They say there is pretty good money in the hides.
What's Johnny Blair going to do?
I don't know but he won't starve.
He's been saving his nickels.
2:00 here in 10 seconds.
He'll be here in...
There he comes now!
Here you are Ed.
Right on time Blair, as usual.
Wouldn't be late on my last run Mr. Dodge.
Sorry to see it end.
So am I.
Men.
That mare reaches Sacramento
means the end of the Pony Express.
You've established a record in carrying the mail
that would go down in history.
In appreciation of your loyalty the
company is giving each of you a gift.
Two Pony Express horses.
Toughest and fastest in the country.
Thanks boss!
Let's go down to the corrals
and pick out the ones you want.
Best of luck to you boys.
Thanks Mr. Dodge.
2 thoroughbreds each. That's a real gift.
Yeah, let's go pick ahead and pick them out.
What are you going to do with your horses?
Sell them.
Oh no you're not. I got a better idea.
We're going to start a stage line.
A stage line?
Sure. There is plenty of money in it.
We haven't got any stagecoach.
- Oh, we'll get one.
- Suits me partner.
And we'll pick out 4 good stagecoach horses.
We'll head for Buchanan city.
Maybe even be able to get a stage there.
Well, there she is.
Bucahanan city.
Hope that fella' Drake's got a stagecoach he'll sell us.
Well with the stage line the size of his he'd ought to
have plenty of old ones he'd be glad to get rid of.
We'll soon find out.
- Well, here we are.
- Yeah.
We're looking for Cal Drake.
That's me.
Come in.
What can I do for you?
We want to buy a stagecoach Mr. Drake.
We'd figured you might have an
old one you would sell us cheap.
Stagecoach? What are you going to do with it?
Start a stage line.
Where are you going to run it?
We hadn't figured that out yet.
You mean you haven't got a franchise?
Franchise?
You have to have one of those to start a stage line?
Well you boys are certainly new at the game.
Takes a lot of money.
You've got to go through a lot
of red tape to start a stage line.
How much money you thinking of putting into it?
Oh, about 1000 dollars.
Maybe I can help you boys out. See all those lines?
Those are all my stage routes.
I kind of bit off a little more than I could chew and
I've been neglecting the Crescent city lately.
I'll sell it to you cheap.
2 ambitious fella's ought to make a good pay out of it.
How much do you want for it?
3,000 dollars.
1,000 dollars right now and the
balance in 2 payments. 60 and 90 days.
Cut easy out of the profits and you'll find
a stagecoach in Crescent city that goes with it.
How far is this Crescent city?
35 miles north of here.
We'll think it over and let you know later.
Right!
Here's an atlas. Give a little idea about the town.
Here it is. Crescent city.
Population 3,500. Climate: Healthful.
Water supply: Excellent. School and church.
What do you say?
Don't you think we'd better go up and look it over first?
What for? All those towns are alike.
Alright. We'll take it Mr. Drake.
Fine. Fine. You boys got great thing in this.
And I'm going to get a lot of
pleasure out of watching you make a pay.
Crescent city.
Home of the Adams and Blair stage lines.
Mail, passengers, and freights.
Carried from coast to coast.
Let's start advertising right now.
Get a crowd together and make them a speech.
Quiet little place isn't.
Yeah. 3,500 people don't make much noise.
Well, maybe they're out on a picnic.
Or just out.
Wait, I hear someone.
Well, it's a ghost town.
Drake just...
He knew it all the time.
It's all my fault.
- I talked you into it.
- Forget it.
He fooled me too.
[ Donkey hee-haws ]
Given us the hee-haw.
Hey strangers! Was that you I heard shooting?
Sure. What of it?
As sheriff I could arrest you for that.
But as mayor I welcome you to Crescent city.
As president of the council I
gave myself the afternoon off.
I'm Rocky O'Brien.
Anyone else live here besides you and the pigs?
Uh... well yes!
Yes! Doc Forsythe lives there over near the hotel.
That makes 2 customers for our stage line.
Yeah.
Are you going to run the Crescent city stage stranger?
Well we bought it.
Yipee!
Hey doc! Here's some good news for ya!
These fellas are taking over the Crescent city stage line.
We're the suckers who bought it alright.
I'm sorry to hear that. I'm William Forsythe.
My name is Blair. This is Larry Adams.
Someone sold it to you under false pretenses I suppose.
Human nature is like that Mr. Blair.
Well, you boys must be hungry. I'll prepare a bite for you.
Drake told us we'd find a stagecoach here.
You know where it is?
Yeah. Come along. I'll show you.
You know even after the gold petered out,
this had been a good town
if Doc and Cal Drake hadn't had a falling out.
What do you mean?
Well they was partners, but Doc
didn't like the crooked deals Drake was pulling, so
Drake squeezed Doc and moved
all his ducks to Buchanan city.
Looks like he did a good job.
Sure did. Drake's crooked as a snake.
Well, there it is.
Well, it isn't much to look at.
Well, you can still carry passengers.
If we can get 'em.
You can get 'em alright.
If you can land that mail contract.
- Mail contract?
- Yeah.
Being post master of this here city I'm in on the know.
Look at that.
This deal doesn't sound so bad after all.
I smell something funny.
Wonder why...
Look out, it's a skunk!
Whew. That was a close one.
It sure was.
Where can I get a rag and some water?
- Did he get ya?
- No.
We got to clean that coach up.
Our franchise calls for a
round trip to Bucahanan twice a week.
We got to get started.
Fix you right up!
There's a record for ya.
We doubled our population in one day.
Ain't many cities can do that.
There, how's that.
- Crooked.
- Huh?
Oh, you mean the picture.
What'd you think I meant?
Blair's coming into town the stagecoach.
Empty.
Well, how did you think it would be?
Be ready in case he tries to start anything.
We'll take care of 'em.
I'll have the boys give them a welcome.
Don't forget boys. Let's give him a great send off.
Hooray!
All aboard for Crescent city!
Hooray for Crescent city.
Ghost's carry free to ghost town.
Crescent city is a swell place to die.
[ Crowd laughs ]
Well. I didn't know school let out so early.
Well, Blair. How's it going?
It's fine.
Be a lot better when I land that mail contract.
I want to enter my stagecoach in that mail race.
Good.
I was beginning to think that there
wouldn't be anybody in it but Drake.
Seems to me there would be plenty
of coaches in there for 25,000 dollars.
That's what I figured but something is scaring them out.
Come on in inside and sign up.
Take this.
Is there a stage leaving here for Crescent city?
Yes, mam. Right this way.
Is it alright if I sit up in front?
Sure.
You won't be so crowded.
Hey Blair. I've got a passenger for you.
We charge half fair for jackasses.
Come on, bring your friends.
I got enough.
Oh, are you the driver?
Yes. Why?
Then isn't there any other way I can get to Crescent city?
Lady you can run, walk, or ride horse.
But this is the only stagecoach.
You really want to go?
Of course.
Crescent city is a funny place miss.
Oh, I know a all about it. My father owns the town.
Dr. Forsythe?
It's not like any town you've ever seen.
Dad's written me lots about it. Quaint hotels.
His patients. The mayor and the sheriff.
And all the big men.
He wrote you all that?
Yes.
And all about the lovely stores.
Oh, there's plenty of stores.
And the funny store keepers.
I can hardly wait to go shopping.
Say, does your dad know you're coming.
Oh, no. I want to surprise him.
Oh...
Going to be disappointed if you expect...
Oh I'm not expecting to see New York or Paris.
Well, what do you got there?
Captured me a laundry.
Was run out of mud springs for using
perfumed soap in the miner's shirts.
[ Laughs ]
Here comes the stage. John's got a passenger.
Barbara!
Dad!
Oh, dad. This awful place. How could you?
What's she going on about?
Got a pretty hard jolt.
That stagecoach will jolt anybody.
Let's leave at once dad. We don't belong here.
I can't do that Barbara.
Everything I have is here.
Anyone here know how to treat a sick horse?
I'm a horse doctor. President of the board of health too.
They'd be old settlers time I cure that horse.
Mister.
Your horse got the box, epizootic, and a touch of glanders.
You hadn't move another mile.
But I've got to move on.
My daughters got the fever.
You're in luck stranger. We've
got the best doctor in the west.
Hey, Dr. Forsythe.
I'd like to speak to you about your father.
Yes?
He put everything he had into this town.
When he lost it, he lost confidence in himself.
Of course he did. This awful place.
He'll be alright when he's back east among friends.
No, he'd feel worse to go back a failure.
If you had the right spirit, you'd stay here and help him.
I don't think I need your advice.
Child needs a rest.
She's been travelling a long ways?
Yes. We're looking for a place to settle.
Bring here to my office and I'll see what I can do for her.
Thanks doctor.
Can't beat this town. Fresh eggs. Fine laundry.
Stage line. Brand new pretty school teacher.
Now remember Larry,
Only allow 7 passengers on the coach at one time.
It's our motto. Comfort without the crowd.
Yes sir.
I'll ride down a piece with you.
Alright boys! Get out of here!
Good luck!
Morning Miss Barbara.
Well, Doc, you're looking younger every day.
I've been feeling much happier ever since Barbara arrived.
Let's be getting back dad.
I promised to give the children a reading lesson.
We saw a work crew on the road early this
morning putting up that new telegraph line.
Telegraph line?
I want to talk to those fellas. I'll see you later.
Bye John.
John's a fine lad isn't he?
Too bossy to suit me.
It takes bossy men to succeed out here.
Hey! Don't drink that water!
What's a matter with you? Are you crazy?
I had to keep you from drinking that water. It's poison.
Somebody must have knocked this sign over.
Poison...
Yeah. It's deadly.
Then that's what ails my men.
I thought it was the heat.
I'll get a doctor.
They're going to be alright.
We've got to thank you for saving our lives.
Dr. Forsythe deserves the credit for that.
If I can ever do anything for you just call on me.
If you really mean that, how about
running your wire through Crescent city?
Would it help you if I did?
Sure would. Can you?
If it doesn't cost too much time our money.
Why, let's look at my map.
Going to Crescent city, I'd have to cut off Buchanan.
Why not?
Let's see. The distance would be the same.
But I wouldn't be able to get
men or supplies from Crescent city.
How many men do you need?
At least 50.
If I get you the men and the supplies,
does Crescent city get the telegraph?
- Yes.
- It's a deal.
See you later Doc.
Men, the telegraph company needs workers.
First 50 of you to reach Crescent city
will get a job at 10 dollars a day and keep.
[ Crowd bustling ]
What's all the excitement about?
They're running the telegraph to Crescent city.
Blair and Adams are hiring men to work there.
What?
That beats panning 2 bucks worth of gold a day.
Now I'm heading for Crescent city.
[ Crowd agreeing ]
Well that's our first step.
The telegraph will bring some people.
And when we get that mail contract
we'll put Crescent city on the map again.
Right.
Not for me boys!
Come on Ed, we're headed for Crescent city!
Come, 10 dollars a day!
Hey wait a minute!
Alright, here you are boys.
Quickest way to Crescent city.
Crescent city stage. Fair only 10 dollars.
Huh?
You gonna let him get away with it?
No.
Going to Crescent city Mr. Drake?
Healthful climate. Population 3,500.
No thanks. I'd like to see you in my office
Mr. Blair.
I've got to hand it to you Blair.
You're smart.
I sold you a lemon and you made an orange out of it.
I didn't call you in to pat you on the back.
I've got a job that requires nerve. Brains.
And I think you're the man to fit the deal.
What is it?
I've got a shipment of gold going to Sacramento.
I want you to drive it through for me on my stage.
Why me?
What's a matter with your driver?
Amount I'm sending might be too tempting to my men.
I'd rather trust you than them.
There'll be a 1,000 dollar payment due on
your stage line which I will cancel when
you bring receipt for the gold.
- I'll take it through.
- Good.
And I'll give you an armed escort.
Is that necessary?
You'll be carrying a fortune.
Is the mint ready?
Larry.
You know Cherokee, there's never
been a hold up on my stage line.
There's got to be a first time for everything.
It's dangerous for the driver ain't it?
Driver's always do seem to get hurt.
I wouldn't do it John.
He's got some trick up his sleeve.
I know it Larry.
We need that 1,000 dollar to pay on our franchise
so we can enter than mail race.
Then I'd better go with you.
No, you've got to drive this stage back to Crescent city.
I'll be alright.
Keep your eyes open.
While the boys escort Blair to Sacramento,
you take care of his partner.
He'll be starting back to Crescent city.
Well Blair.
So long.
We're near the pass.
Yeah, that's going to be the end of this trip.
Hold.
Boys, we're getting near the pass.
Well, what about it?
Hadn't you fellas better ride
ahead and find out of it's clear.
Yeah. Sure.
Did he make it easy for us!
Where in blazes is he?
Don't ask me.
Why that double crossing crook...
Well it certainly looks like old times at Crescent city.
And it's all due to John's effort.
How long will it last dad?
Oh, probably a month or more.
After that John Blair will have to work another miracle.
Why not?
If he can win the race for the
mail contract we'll get a post office.
And then Crescent city will be a behive once again.
If he wins.
He'll win. You can bank on that.
Every room in the hotel's full.
Say, isn't this quite a come
down from mayor and sheriff?
Maybe.
But the boys are kind of ashamed to tip the mayor.
I'm doing alright now.
Oh, here comes the stage!
Where's Larry? He ought to be driving.
Where's the Doc?
Driver's been shot.
[ Crowd bustling ]
Bring him over to my house right away.
Did you see who did it?
I'm telling you we couldn't see who fired the shot.
Whoever it was, he was waiting there to do that job.
But you didn't follow the route. Going or coming.
No I didn't. And I'm still alive.
How do you expect me to pay you 1,000 for the trip
when I lose money on the passengers
and freight you didn't pick up.
Did you want that gold delivered or didn't you?
Of course.
Then write me out a receipt for the second
payment on the Crescent city franchise.
Don't reach for anything but your pen.
Remember, you don't own that stage line yet.
We'll talk about that after government mail race.
John. Please sit down.
Did Larry say who shot him?
He didn't see them. They fired from the bushes.
How is he Doc?
Is he going to live?
The bullet lodged near his spine.
Only a very delicate operation could save his life.
Well you're a doctor.
Why I wouldn't dare.
I haven't operated in years.
I've lost confidence.
Listen Doc. Larry means more to
me than anyone else in the world.
Do something for him will you?
Please dad.
We have confidence in you. Haven't we John?
All the confidence in the world.
Larry will live.
Oh, thanks Doc.
You going to ride on the box tomorrow Drake?
Sure thing.
This race means too much to me.
Think you'll win?
Nothing going to keep me from it.
- Hi John!
- Hello Rocky!
As treasurer of Crescent
city I'm betting the city funds on you John.
The whole 10 dollars and 50 cents.
[ Laughs ]
Where's your coach?
It's down at the delivery stable.
I'm going down there now. Come on.
It's Blair.
What's with the smoke?
[ Gun shots ]
More buckets!
Well, not too much harm done. The horses okay.
The coach is hardly scorched.
You suppose Drake and his men pulled this cheap trick?
I'm sure of it.
Well whoever it was you got one of them anyhow.
You're under arrest.
What for?
For shooting a man.
It was in self defense.
He tried to burn Blair's coach.
That can be explained to the judge.
This warrant goes for your arrest.
Who swore out the warrant?
Cal Drake.
Can't you see this is a trick
to keep me out of that mail race?
I'm sorry but I've got to do my duty.
Take care of those horses Green.
And stand guard over this coach.
I'll get you out of this John!
5 minutes to go and Blair is safe in jail.
This isn't a race. It's an excursion.
What'd you do Doc?
Get those horses over to the starting line.
They've got to be there by 9 o'clock.
Good as done Doc.
It's time to start this race.
There's a minute left.
[ Crowd shouting ]
Cherokee. Cut across to the relay station
and tell them to have those
fresh horses ready just in case.
I know it ain't right Blair but I...
Here's an order for John's release
on bail signed by the justice of the peace.
Hm, 500 dollars bail, eh?
Business must be good in Crescent city.
[ Crowd cheering ]
I didn't think you was going to make it.
That old goat won't stay in the race long.
Say, there's another man in the box.
It's Blair.
Here they come!
Oh, it's Drake's stage!
Get those Poney Express horses.
Good work John.
Alright, take them away!
Hurry up Rocky!
Come on! Come on!
That Blair got loose somehow
and it's up to you to stop him.
Good luck John.
Thanks Barbara.
I'll be riding inside.
If you need any help, you wake me up.
Hyah!
Ready boys?
All ready.
I do hope John wins.
Oh you really don't want him to win.
I do!
He's abstinent, and bossy,
and bull-headed and domineering.
He is not!
Here he comes.
This ought to stop him.
What's a matter?
Get after him!
[ Screaming ]
Oh god!
Help!
Here comes a rider!
They're coming a mile away and Drake is leading.
Come on, come on!
Come on!
[ Inaudible ]
Come on! Give it to 'em!
Blair wins!
[ Crowd cheering ]
Come on out Rocky! We've won!
And we must never forget my
friends, how much we owe to John Blair.
[ Applause ]
I don't know how I can ever repay you John.
I do.
Man in crowd: Hey look!
[ Crowd laughing ]
[ Music ]
[ Chanting and shouting ]
I think they're plum crazy to
do away with the Pony Express.
So do I but they claim this new
fangled telegraph will be a lot of faster.
It won't work. You mark my words.
Who ever heard of sending messages over a piece of wire?
[ Laughs ]
What are you going to do now Jim?
Punch cows again I reckon.
Seems pretty tame after a Pony Express ride.
Yeah. I guess I'll hunt buffalo.
They say there is pretty good money in the hides.
What's Johnny Blair going to do?
I don't know but he won't starve.
He's been saving his nickels.
2:00 here in 10 seconds.
He'll be here in...
There he comes now!
Here you are Ed.
Right on time Blair, as usual.
Wouldn't be late on my last run Mr. Dodge.
Sorry to see it end.
So am I.
Men.
That mare reaches Sacramento
means the end of the Pony Express.
You've established a record in carrying the mail
that would go down in history.
In appreciation of your loyalty the
company is giving each of you a gift.
Two Pony Express horses.
Toughest and fastest in the country.
Thanks boss!
Let's go down to the corrals
and pick out the ones you want.
Best of luck to you boys.
Thanks Mr. Dodge.
2 thoroughbreds each. That's a real gift.
Yeah, let's go pick ahead and pick them out.
What are you going to do with your horses?
Sell them.
Oh no you're not. I got a better idea.
We're going to start a stage line.
A stage line?
Sure. There is plenty of money in it.
We haven't got any stagecoach.
- Oh, we'll get one.
- Suits me partner.
And we'll pick out 4 good stagecoach horses.
We'll head for Buchanan city.
Maybe even be able to get a stage there.
Well, there she is.
Bucahanan city.
Hope that fella' Drake's got a stagecoach he'll sell us.
Well with the stage line the size of his he'd ought to
have plenty of old ones he'd be glad to get rid of.
We'll soon find out.
- Well, here we are.
- Yeah.
We're looking for Cal Drake.
That's me.
Come in.
What can I do for you?
We want to buy a stagecoach Mr. Drake.
We'd figured you might have an
old one you would sell us cheap.
Stagecoach? What are you going to do with it?
Start a stage line.
Where are you going to run it?
We hadn't figured that out yet.
You mean you haven't got a franchise?
Franchise?
You have to have one of those to start a stage line?
Well you boys are certainly new at the game.
Takes a lot of money.
You've got to go through a lot
of red tape to start a stage line.
How much money you thinking of putting into it?
Oh, about 1000 dollars.
Maybe I can help you boys out. See all those lines?
Those are all my stage routes.
I kind of bit off a little more than I could chew and
I've been neglecting the Crescent city lately.
I'll sell it to you cheap.
2 ambitious fella's ought to make a good pay out of it.
How much do you want for it?
3,000 dollars.
1,000 dollars right now and the
balance in 2 payments. 60 and 90 days.
Cut easy out of the profits and you'll find
a stagecoach in Crescent city that goes with it.
How far is this Crescent city?
35 miles north of here.
We'll think it over and let you know later.
Right!
Here's an atlas. Give a little idea about the town.
Here it is. Crescent city.
Population 3,500. Climate: Healthful.
Water supply: Excellent. School and church.
What do you say?
Don't you think we'd better go up and look it over first?
What for? All those towns are alike.
Alright. We'll take it Mr. Drake.
Fine. Fine. You boys got great thing in this.
And I'm going to get a lot of
pleasure out of watching you make a pay.
Crescent city.
Home of the Adams and Blair stage lines.
Mail, passengers, and freights.
Carried from coast to coast.
Let's start advertising right now.
Get a crowd together and make them a speech.
Quiet little place isn't.
Yeah. 3,500 people don't make much noise.
Well, maybe they're out on a picnic.
Or just out.
Wait, I hear someone.
Well, it's a ghost town.
Drake just...
He knew it all the time.
It's all my fault.
- I talked you into it.
- Forget it.
He fooled me too.
[ Donkey hee-haws ]
Given us the hee-haw.
Hey strangers! Was that you I heard shooting?
Sure. What of it?
As sheriff I could arrest you for that.
But as mayor I welcome you to Crescent city.
As president of the council I
gave myself the afternoon off.
I'm Rocky O'Brien.
Anyone else live here besides you and the pigs?
Uh... well yes!
Yes! Doc Forsythe lives there over near the hotel.
That makes 2 customers for our stage line.
Yeah.
Are you going to run the Crescent city stage stranger?
Well we bought it.
Yipee!
Hey doc! Here's some good news for ya!
These fellas are taking over the Crescent city stage line.
We're the suckers who bought it alright.
I'm sorry to hear that. I'm William Forsythe.
My name is Blair. This is Larry Adams.
Someone sold it to you under false pretenses I suppose.
Human nature is like that Mr. Blair.
Well, you boys must be hungry. I'll prepare a bite for you.
Drake told us we'd find a stagecoach here.
You know where it is?
Yeah. Come along. I'll show you.
You know even after the gold petered out,
this had been a good town
if Doc and Cal Drake hadn't had a falling out.
What do you mean?
Well they was partners, but Doc
didn't like the crooked deals Drake was pulling, so
Drake squeezed Doc and moved
all his ducks to Buchanan city.
Looks like he did a good job.
Sure did. Drake's crooked as a snake.
Well, there it is.
Well, it isn't much to look at.
Well, you can still carry passengers.
If we can get 'em.
You can get 'em alright.
If you can land that mail contract.
- Mail contract?
- Yeah.
Being post master of this here city I'm in on the know.
Look at that.
This deal doesn't sound so bad after all.
I smell something funny.
Wonder why...
Look out, it's a skunk!
Whew. That was a close one.
It sure was.
Where can I get a rag and some water?
- Did he get ya?
- No.
We got to clean that coach up.
Our franchise calls for a
round trip to Bucahanan twice a week.
We got to get started.
Fix you right up!
There's a record for ya.
We doubled our population in one day.
Ain't many cities can do that.
There, how's that.
- Crooked.
- Huh?
Oh, you mean the picture.
What'd you think I meant?
Blair's coming into town the stagecoach.
Empty.
Well, how did you think it would be?
Be ready in case he tries to start anything.
We'll take care of 'em.
I'll have the boys give them a welcome.
Don't forget boys. Let's give him a great send off.
Hooray!
All aboard for Crescent city!
Hooray for Crescent city.
Ghost's carry free to ghost town.
Crescent city is a swell place to die.
[ Crowd laughs ]
Well. I didn't know school let out so early.
Well, Blair. How's it going?
It's fine.
Be a lot better when I land that mail contract.
I want to enter my stagecoach in that mail race.
Good.
I was beginning to think that there
wouldn't be anybody in it but Drake.
Seems to me there would be plenty
of coaches in there for 25,000 dollars.
That's what I figured but something is scaring them out.
Come on in inside and sign up.
Take this.
Is there a stage leaving here for Crescent city?
Yes, mam. Right this way.
Is it alright if I sit up in front?
Sure.
You won't be so crowded.
Hey Blair. I've got a passenger for you.
We charge half fair for jackasses.
Come on, bring your friends.
I got enough.
Oh, are you the driver?
Yes. Why?
Then isn't there any other way I can get to Crescent city?
Lady you can run, walk, or ride horse.
But this is the only stagecoach.
You really want to go?
Of course.
Crescent city is a funny place miss.
Oh, I know a all about it. My father owns the town.
Dr. Forsythe?
It's not like any town you've ever seen.
Dad's written me lots about it. Quaint hotels.
His patients. The mayor and the sheriff.
And all the big men.
He wrote you all that?
Yes.
And all about the lovely stores.
Oh, there's plenty of stores.
And the funny store keepers.
I can hardly wait to go shopping.
Say, does your dad know you're coming.
Oh, no. I want to surprise him.
Oh...
Going to be disappointed if you expect...
Oh I'm not expecting to see New York or Paris.
Well, what do you got there?
Captured me a laundry.
Was run out of mud springs for using
perfumed soap in the miner's shirts.
[ Laughs ]
Here comes the stage. John's got a passenger.
Barbara!
Dad!
Oh, dad. This awful place. How could you?
What's she going on about?
Got a pretty hard jolt.
That stagecoach will jolt anybody.
Let's leave at once dad. We don't belong here.
I can't do that Barbara.
Everything I have is here.
Anyone here know how to treat a sick horse?
I'm a horse doctor. President of the board of health too.
They'd be old settlers time I cure that horse.
Mister.
Your horse got the box, epizootic, and a touch of glanders.
You hadn't move another mile.
But I've got to move on.
My daughters got the fever.
You're in luck stranger. We've
got the best doctor in the west.
Hey, Dr. Forsythe.
I'd like to speak to you about your father.
Yes?
He put everything he had into this town.
When he lost it, he lost confidence in himself.
Of course he did. This awful place.
He'll be alright when he's back east among friends.
No, he'd feel worse to go back a failure.
If you had the right spirit, you'd stay here and help him.
I don't think I need your advice.
Child needs a rest.
She's been travelling a long ways?
Yes. We're looking for a place to settle.
Bring here to my office and I'll see what I can do for her.
Thanks doctor.
Can't beat this town. Fresh eggs. Fine laundry.
Stage line. Brand new pretty school teacher.
Now remember Larry,
Only allow 7 passengers on the coach at one time.
It's our motto. Comfort without the crowd.
Yes sir.
I'll ride down a piece with you.
Alright boys! Get out of here!
Good luck!
Morning Miss Barbara.
Well, Doc, you're looking younger every day.
I've been feeling much happier ever since Barbara arrived.
Let's be getting back dad.
I promised to give the children a reading lesson.
We saw a work crew on the road early this
morning putting up that new telegraph line.
Telegraph line?
I want to talk to those fellas. I'll see you later.
Bye John.
John's a fine lad isn't he?
Too bossy to suit me.
It takes bossy men to succeed out here.
Hey! Don't drink that water!
What's a matter with you? Are you crazy?
I had to keep you from drinking that water. It's poison.
Somebody must have knocked this sign over.
Poison...
Yeah. It's deadly.
Then that's what ails my men.
I thought it was the heat.
I'll get a doctor.
They're going to be alright.
We've got to thank you for saving our lives.
Dr. Forsythe deserves the credit for that.
If I can ever do anything for you just call on me.
If you really mean that, how about
running your wire through Crescent city?
Would it help you if I did?
Sure would. Can you?
If it doesn't cost too much time our money.
Why, let's look at my map.
Going to Crescent city, I'd have to cut off Buchanan.
Why not?
Let's see. The distance would be the same.
But I wouldn't be able to get
men or supplies from Crescent city.
How many men do you need?
At least 50.
If I get you the men and the supplies,
does Crescent city get the telegraph?
- Yes.
- It's a deal.
See you later Doc.
Men, the telegraph company needs workers.
First 50 of you to reach Crescent city
will get a job at 10 dollars a day and keep.
[ Crowd bustling ]
What's all the excitement about?
They're running the telegraph to Crescent city.
Blair and Adams are hiring men to work there.
What?
That beats panning 2 bucks worth of gold a day.
Now I'm heading for Crescent city.
[ Crowd agreeing ]
Well that's our first step.
The telegraph will bring some people.
And when we get that mail contract
we'll put Crescent city on the map again.
Right.
Not for me boys!
Come on Ed, we're headed for Crescent city!
Come, 10 dollars a day!
Hey wait a minute!
Alright, here you are boys.
Quickest way to Crescent city.
Crescent city stage. Fair only 10 dollars.
Huh?
You gonna let him get away with it?
No.
Going to Crescent city Mr. Drake?
Healthful climate. Population 3,500.
No thanks. I'd like to see you in my office
Mr. Blair.
I've got to hand it to you Blair.
You're smart.
I sold you a lemon and you made an orange out of it.
I didn't call you in to pat you on the back.
I've got a job that requires nerve. Brains.
And I think you're the man to fit the deal.
What is it?
I've got a shipment of gold going to Sacramento.
I want you to drive it through for me on my stage.
Why me?
What's a matter with your driver?
Amount I'm sending might be too tempting to my men.
I'd rather trust you than them.
There'll be a 1,000 dollar payment due on
your stage line which I will cancel when
you bring receipt for the gold.
- I'll take it through.
- Good.
And I'll give you an armed escort.
Is that necessary?
You'll be carrying a fortune.
Is the mint ready?
Larry.
You know Cherokee, there's never
been a hold up on my stage line.
There's got to be a first time for everything.
It's dangerous for the driver ain't it?
Driver's always do seem to get hurt.
I wouldn't do it John.
He's got some trick up his sleeve.
I know it Larry.
We need that 1,000 dollar to pay on our franchise
so we can enter than mail race.
Then I'd better go with you.
No, you've got to drive this stage back to Crescent city.
I'll be alright.
Keep your eyes open.
While the boys escort Blair to Sacramento,
you take care of his partner.
He'll be starting back to Crescent city.
Well Blair.
So long.
We're near the pass.
Yeah, that's going to be the end of this trip.
Hold.
Boys, we're getting near the pass.
Well, what about it?
Hadn't you fellas better ride
ahead and find out of it's clear.
Yeah. Sure.
Did he make it easy for us!
Where in blazes is he?
Don't ask me.
Why that double crossing crook...
Well it certainly looks like old times at Crescent city.
And it's all due to John's effort.
How long will it last dad?
Oh, probably a month or more.
After that John Blair will have to work another miracle.
Why not?
If he can win the race for the
mail contract we'll get a post office.
And then Crescent city will be a behive once again.
If he wins.
He'll win. You can bank on that.
Every room in the hotel's full.
Say, isn't this quite a come
down from mayor and sheriff?
Maybe.
But the boys are kind of ashamed to tip the mayor.
I'm doing alright now.
Oh, here comes the stage!
Where's Larry? He ought to be driving.
Where's the Doc?
Driver's been shot.
[ Crowd bustling ]
Bring him over to my house right away.
Did you see who did it?
I'm telling you we couldn't see who fired the shot.
Whoever it was, he was waiting there to do that job.
But you didn't follow the route. Going or coming.
No I didn't. And I'm still alive.
How do you expect me to pay you 1,000 for the trip
when I lose money on the passengers
and freight you didn't pick up.
Did you want that gold delivered or didn't you?
Of course.
Then write me out a receipt for the second
payment on the Crescent city franchise.
Don't reach for anything but your pen.
Remember, you don't own that stage line yet.
We'll talk about that after government mail race.
John. Please sit down.
Did Larry say who shot him?
He didn't see them. They fired from the bushes.
How is he Doc?
Is he going to live?
The bullet lodged near his spine.
Only a very delicate operation could save his life.
Well you're a doctor.
Why I wouldn't dare.
I haven't operated in years.
I've lost confidence.
Listen Doc. Larry means more to
me than anyone else in the world.
Do something for him will you?
Please dad.
We have confidence in you. Haven't we John?
All the confidence in the world.
Larry will live.
Oh, thanks Doc.
You going to ride on the box tomorrow Drake?
Sure thing.
This race means too much to me.
Think you'll win?
Nothing going to keep me from it.
- Hi John!
- Hello Rocky!
As treasurer of Crescent
city I'm betting the city funds on you John.
The whole 10 dollars and 50 cents.
[ Laughs ]
Where's your coach?
It's down at the delivery stable.
I'm going down there now. Come on.
It's Blair.
What's with the smoke?
[ Gun shots ]
More buckets!
Well, not too much harm done. The horses okay.
The coach is hardly scorched.
You suppose Drake and his men pulled this cheap trick?
I'm sure of it.
Well whoever it was you got one of them anyhow.
You're under arrest.
What for?
For shooting a man.
It was in self defense.
He tried to burn Blair's coach.
That can be explained to the judge.
This warrant goes for your arrest.
Who swore out the warrant?
Cal Drake.
Can't you see this is a trick
to keep me out of that mail race?
I'm sorry but I've got to do my duty.
Take care of those horses Green.
And stand guard over this coach.
I'll get you out of this John!
5 minutes to go and Blair is safe in jail.
This isn't a race. It's an excursion.
What'd you do Doc?
Get those horses over to the starting line.
They've got to be there by 9 o'clock.
Good as done Doc.
It's time to start this race.
There's a minute left.
[ Crowd shouting ]
Cherokee. Cut across to the relay station
and tell them to have those
fresh horses ready just in case.
I know it ain't right Blair but I...
Here's an order for John's release
on bail signed by the justice of the peace.
Hm, 500 dollars bail, eh?
Business must be good in Crescent city.
[ Crowd cheering ]
I didn't think you was going to make it.
That old goat won't stay in the race long.
Say, there's another man in the box.
It's Blair.
Here they come!
Oh, it's Drake's stage!
Get those Poney Express horses.
Good work John.
Alright, take them away!
Hurry up Rocky!
Come on! Come on!
That Blair got loose somehow
and it's up to you to stop him.
Good luck John.
Thanks Barbara.
I'll be riding inside.
If you need any help, you wake me up.
Hyah!
Ready boys?
All ready.
I do hope John wins.
Oh you really don't want him to win.
I do!
He's abstinent, and bossy,
and bull-headed and domineering.
He is not!
Here he comes.
This ought to stop him.
What's a matter?
Get after him!
[ Screaming ]
Oh god!
Help!
Here comes a rider!
They're coming a mile away and Drake is leading.
Come on, come on!
Come on!
[ Inaudible ]
Come on! Give it to 'em!
Blair wins!
[ Crowd cheering ]
Come on out Rocky! We've won!
And we must never forget my
friends, how much we owe to John Blair.
[ Applause ]
I don't know how I can ever repay you John.
I do.
Man in crowd: Hey look!
[ Crowd laughing ]