Western | La vallée des géants (1952) Kirk Douglas, Eve Miller, Patrice Wymore

-Stand down, Frenchy, we are going in.-Drag him out! -No, you don't.-Settle down now, you'll get paid. -What's all the muss?-What else, money. Nobody likes working for nothing. Come on out here, Fallon. Patience, boys, be with you in a minute. Fallon, I've strung with youand your wild-eyed schemes. However, this time you've gone too far,you're going to jail. -After all I've done for him.-Done for me?.

Your finagling cost my syndicatea quarter of a million dollars. More, Mr. Murdoch. We financed youto mill lumber in Wisconsin, but you stashed it awayfor a timber steal in California. According tothe new landlords, strictly legal. All I know is what you've cost us. You're going to landin prison until we get it. Putting me in prisonis a way of losing all your money. What's a couple of 100,000to a group like yours?.

Let me take a boatload of my boysand I'll make a fortune for you. Listen to those men,well, you haven't met a payroll in weeks. Do you thinkthey'd ever work for you again? They like me, you do too, don't you? What makes you think I'd trust you again? Because your syndicate wants money,there's plenty to be had in California. -Hey, Jim.-What is it, Frenchy? Boys are mightyclose to getting out of hand. Mr. Murdock,let me get the boys under control.

Before they wreck the mill,and you'll be out 50,000. Daisy, honey,take Mr. Murdock over to the hotel. The best champagnefor him and his friends. I just happento have some bottles in the oven. You come along too, sheriff. I have a few girlfriendswho just love policemen. Don't forget, Fallon, I can put you in jailsix months from now just as well as today. Here's your money, boys.Certified cashier's check.

-You gave us that check business before.-We want to see the cash. -Where's the money?-We want it. -Where is the money?-All right, boys, anything you say goes. Frenchy, take this check to the bank. Have them send overa couple of guards with the cash. Go on, you heard them,they want their money, get to the bank. You know what this means, fellas? You're breaking up the team, for good. Jim Fallon and his boys.

The minute you signed that receipt bookpaid in full, that's the end. You leave me busted,you put me out of business. Good thing it is, Fallon. -It's about time too.-Pay them off once and for all. Let them come back to work for us honestlumbermen, steady work, and regular pay. We've had enough of you, Fallon,you're leaving town, and right now. -A couple of measly bobcats turned tigers.-We're not joking, Fallon, get going. I'm moving to no place till I'm ready. -Get him out of here.-That was great, Jim.

-All right, what a wallop!-All right. Boys, even if I'd been shot it was worth itto know how you feel about me. You still like me. I want to tell youwhy I hope you'd stick with me. You know me,Jim Fallon doesn't like to hire, he likes to share. Right now I want to share with youthe whole north of California. There are giant redwoods out there.

Men big around is that office,so tall you can't see the sky. There's so much board footagein just one of those big trees, that it makes a month cuttinghere look like a pile of toothpicks. Now look, you're the bestlumberjacks in the business. That's why you're my team. That's why I want to take youto California with me. Each man, a partner of Jim Fallon,every man with a share in $100 million. -How do you like that, boys?-Still want Frenchy to go to the bank? -No.-Then take your chances with me.

You might find cases in the office,help yourself. -Hey, it's all right.-It's okay, let's go. -Thanks, Jim, we are okay.-Hey, stranger. I don't have to tell youhow grateful I am, stranger. -I'm Yukon Burns.-Your name's luck to me. I want to make a little statue,hang it alongside this horseshoe. Couldn't hang me there, I'm hollow inside. I'll put some stuff in you. You stick with me, friend,you'll always have a full belly, come on.

-I'll ask a gold rusher.-Yukon Burns, a billionaire. Traveling around in freight cars,trying to get a logging job. You got yourselfa better job than that, for life. Kind of like me, don't you? Like the way you square toted withyour men who stood up to them gun-toters. -Here.-Keep it. Honest, besides being handy with a gun,I can use a friend like you, Lucky. Hey, Jim. Have to teach them hawkto keep their nose out of my business.

Here, wet this. Clem, Clem, sorry. I didn't count on the shooting either,but everything worked out just fine. Thanks, I had to teach youto keep your big mouth shut. Come on, Yukon. -Jim.-Be right with you, Yukon. Well, your pigeon is cookedand basted in white wine, he's all yours. -I don't know what I'd do without you.-I don't care anymore, just pay. -Daisy, honey, don't you trust me?-Don't Daisy honey me.

You prefer Dora Figg? You lay off my pastor I'll start to spill yours. Forget the past, think of the future. That's nothing,we're going to get rich in California. We'll leave next month. Not we, not me, you. Honey, you're part of my luck. Save that baloney for whenyou head into those wild Westerners. You won't be pushingaround these tame Wisconsin stump jumpers.

Don't think those Californiansare going to sit in rocking chairs watching you grab off their land. I'll handle that problemwhen I come to it. Without me. You'll be right therelooking out for me same as always. Always is over, Jim. I'm tired of chasingthose smoke rings of yours. I'm staying hereand I'm looking out for me. You're right, Daisy,you'd do a lot better without me.

-You said it.-I'm not good for you. You're doing a smart thing giving me up. I'm just bad for you. Leave me, Daisy,you should have a life of your own. Thanks for everything. Yes, you deserve a lot better man than me. If you ever want anything,you know where to find me. -Having something like that leave you.-She'll be back. -Nobody Jim Fallon likes ever leaves him.-That goes for you, too.

Here's your job,I'm dressing you like a billionaire. You're going to Redwood Californiaahead of me, goodwill merchant. Pick the biggest trees, just flash thaton his face at the hostile nation. Why? Hope you ain't counting on me using this. When a man is my friend,I count on him for anything. -You've never even been to California.-Only in my dreams. Why did you sendthat Alaska sourdough out ahead of me? Let's face it, Frenchy,you're a good timber boss,.

But people say goodbye to youbefore you can say hello. That Yukon, three weeks in Redwoodand it's got him eating out of his hand. Yes, I got a feelinghe's going to bring plenty of good luck. -You're doing right locking up, Keller.-I hope so. Look here, Keller, you can't keep refusingto let these men buy new timber claims. I'm the government agenthere, Mr. Gregg, not you. On that door it saysoffice hours, 8:00 to 6:00. -You're opening up again right now.-Let's stay friendly, neighbor.

Fallon's man, Burns, I'm Cleve Gregg. You're just anotherclaim jumper to me, Mr. That's because you're new here.I own the Redwood Sawmill Company and I aim to financethese men file for homesteads. -New law wasn't made for timber thieves.-What do you mean, thieves? Every lumbermanaround here has a copy of that law. All claims filed under the Stoneand Timber Act of 1868 are hereby rendered null and void,land agents, that's you, Keller. Are hereby authorizedand instructed to accept applications.

On any and all such claimsin their districts, if you have $125. I know all about that, Mr. Greg. Just the same, I'm waitingfor more instructions from the Department of the Interior before I let you steal homesteadsmy friends have owned for 50 years. One hundred and twenty-five dollarsfiling fee for each quarter section is stealing. This fellow's been scoutingthe biggest trees in the county, and he's probably bribed you to waituntill Fallon and his men.

Get here to file on choice claims. Jim Fallon is an honest man. He's going to payold settlers every claim he stakes out. Did you hear that, Jim? Pay them for free land. He's been doing a lotof expensive goodwill around here. -He knows what he's doing.-Now, get this through your head, Keller. Joe open this office right nowor I'll have you jailed. No, you won't,pay no attention to him, Mr. Keller.

Keep thee awayfrom violence Sister Alicia. What are they all dressed up for? There's a hallelujah colony around here. Soul savers, rigid and religious. The dark-haired onecan save my soul any time. Open that officeor I'll have my boys break the door now. You do when you'll walking on your face. Keller, you're going to takeapplications right now. Come on, boys.

-Sister Chadwick, no, steady with us.-Hold your ground, Mr. Keller, be firm. I'm going to Eurekaand tell this to the circuit judge. -I'll tote you across for $0.50, ma'am.-No, thank you. Seeing as how you're bowlegged two bits. -I am not bowlegged.-Alicia. No, you're not. Sister Chadwick,thy father shall hear of this. -Darn, wasn't that worth it?-Here's your coin. -Thank you, ma'am.-Sister Chadwick.

Where's your Mr. Fallon? I came to thank you bothfor protecting our land. -That Fallon's a wonderful lad, ma'am.-I'm sure he could teach you manners. That's Jim Fallon. -Oh.-Pleased to meet you, Miss Chadwick. -Mrs. Chadwick.-Oh. Just like I told you,don't worry about your trees anymore. Jim hereis going to do the claiming. He got plenty of money,think he invented this stuff.

Why haven't you refiled on your land? Multiply 400 quarter sections by $125,and you'll see how much we'd have to pay. Four hundred quarter sections and broke? You must be pretty poor operators. None of these religious colonistsever bother to accumulate much cash. There's no need to. See, Jim, these are wonderful folks,they'll give you anything they got. If they got nothingto give you, they'll say a prayer for you. Sister Chadwick, do you think prayeris going to save those big trees?.

We were assuredwe could rely on you for that. -We don't want them touched.-What's so special about them? After you've been around them a while,you'll understand. Sister Alicia,come thee away from all those men. There's safety in numbers,Sister Blackburn. By the way,what happened to your thees and thous? Sister Chadwickhas been too long out in the world. I'd like youto meet my father, Mr. Fallon. Would you have supperwith us this evening?.

I'd like to. I'll meet you at 6:00 in the Bixby Grove,Mr. Burns knows the way. -I'm anxious for you to see our trees.-Thank you. This must be good luck. I've known a lot of girls, this is the first time one of themever asked me to come and see her trees. I thought this tripwas supposed to be strictly business. It's a lot of ways of doing business. What are all these promisesI hear you've been making?.

Just plain common sense. Yukon, I'd feel a lot betterif you'd walk me home. Well, I'm glad to bodyguard you anytime. Hey, Lucky, I want to talk to you,meet me in the saloon. Better get rid of that daffy sourdough, or he gets you hookedfor money you ain't got. I ever had to ask you advice? Look, I passed up top jobsto wood's boss your timber grab. You promised we'd make a killing.

All I hear nowis some idiot promising to pay, pay for something you can get for nothing. Nobody's going to pay. As soon asthat boat brings in our loggers, I'll run them into the land officeand file, nobody's going to pay. Let me borrow you a knife Lucky. Thanks. Biggest, oldestliving things in the whole world. Make you feel kind of small?.

No, big. I'm the onethat's going to knock them down. The widow Chadwick and her folksdon't want the trees touched at any price. -She's a widow?-What's the difference? When you grow up, I'll explain it to you. Who was Chadwick? A young seafaring fella,he lost his life at sea a few years ago. I bet there are 100 housesin one of these. -Look, Jim.-Yes.

These colonists trust in you on accountof what I've told them about you. You play squarewith them and you'll do all right. Bet, I will. Twenty-eight and a half feet,this is just a baby. Hello. -Right on time.-Sister Chadwick. Thou hasn't beenout of my thoughts a minute. I hope you're both hungry. I look forward to thy home cooking.

It will please thee to knowthou shall help with the washing of dishes to make thee feel that our home is thine. It's a lovely walk. Mr. Fallon,this is my father, Elder Bixby. -How do you do, sir?-Welcome friend, brother. -Mrs. Blackburn, this is Wallace.-We met practically. -Brother Dorn.-How do you do? On the roof Brother Williams,and Brother Williams' daughter. How do you do?.

-Magnificent country.-It's different from Wisconsin. Yes, it is. I've never been stirred as deeplyas by your beautiful trees. And his daughter. Then you can understandhow we feel about them. Why we hold them in sacred trust. Sacred,somebody's bound to get them by claiming. Not if we can help it. I'm certain we can place faithin Mr. Fallon and Mr. Burns.

To help us keep them from destruction. If I felt like you did about trees,I'd soon be out of business. The giant sequoiasare more than trees friend. They are the everlastingliving sign of our creator's work. Four thousand years old,as old as the book and the faith. This was just a little one,only 900 years old. However, it was a living saplingwhen Norman Conquerors invaded England. It was about this sizewhen Columbus discovered America. About this large,the time of George Washington.

And our Declaration of Independence. This marks the time of Abraham Lincolnand the Emancipation Proclamation. It was felled during the termof our present President, Mr. McKinley. God made them to touch the skies,taller than any spire of any church. They are our church,our place of worship. Mr. Fallonwill build you a dozen churches. Let's be practical, you men cut timber? The small trees are all we cut,the giant redwoods, we do not. The government passed a deathsentence on every tree in the district.

We know you'll help us. I admire your faith. Supper. A real home. Where do you sit? -We ladies eat later.-As it should be. -Mr. Fallon, will you sit here?-Thank you. What's your name? His name is Tom.

Well, no wonder he likes me. While the ladies are setting the meal,we'll read from the Scriptures. It is our custom to ask a strangerin our house to do the reading. -Naturally.-Well, of course. Perhaps Mr. Fallonwould rather quote from memory. Safer if I read,I've been known to get my verses mixed. -Here from the Songs of David.-Blessed is he that considers the poor. The Lord will deliverhim in time of trouble. -Amen.-Amen.

-Amen. Blessed is he that considers the poor. You big hard head, what'd you get me into? You got me into it, you sent me out here. Look here, Jim, Just how muchwill you pay these folks for this land? Lucky, you better startgetting yourself some common sense. Do you realize how muchit cost to operate a timber outfit? I can't afford to payfor thousands of acres of free land.

And still run a business. However, I gave them a word in you. Once last and for all,there's not going to be any payment for any landthe government says is free. You sound like a claim jumper to me. If you know what a sourdough thinksof that stripe you don't want me around. -Where are you going?-Back to Alaska to get me some fresh air. Lucky, nobody Jim Fallonlikes ever leave him. I'm kind of superstitiousabout my luck running out on me.

Look, you got the wrong slant. It ain't somethingyou can wear on a watch chain. It ain't even money in your kick. Nine times out of 10it's the way you live. Look, who's talking about living? When I picked you up, you were a job hunting,empty-bellied crumb. Look at you nowyou just beginning to live. However, it's going to be my way.

Well, you stinking claim jumper? -No, now take it easy.-Get out of my way. Now take it easy. Take it easy. Lucky. You win Lucky. I'll pay them a premium for the land. You won't cut the big trees? Sorry, Jim, I'll get you a doctor.

Now be reasonable. I'm offering you a royalty of one percent. Let me throw in all logging equipment. All right, two pecent. Believe me,this is all faith, hope, and charity. I believe you, you're a decent man. I like you for trying to dowhat you don't have to. Well, that's very nice apple butter. How much didthe elder tell you to hold out for?.

I told you we're onlyinterested in saving these giant trees, not your money. Wait a minute,I didn't say anything about money. Just percentage. percentage of what you own,or what someone else owns? Sister Chadwick, my conscience is clean. -All right, another half percent.-What's your conscience name? Mr. Yukon Burns? This is a very good placeto talk about conscience.

This is our church. Let's lay off the pious Christ hiking and admit thattrees are trees and money's money. You folks stand to make a million. You're right, some trees are trees. Come here. You ever seen anything more beautiful? Never. Certainly there's enough timberaround here without you destroying these.

I live by the board foot. Doesn't all this beautymean anything to you? Beauty, sure. That's what it's all about sister,since the beginning of the world. That's what makes men thresh the wheat,pick the grapes, hire a band. All the sweat of menthat's poured on earth's been for beauty. The beauty of women. Yes, that's the buggy whipthat drives us, Alicia. You know what I mean?.

I certainly do. -You're wasting all the pretty words.-Not words, time. You're wasting time as well as words. I got to hand it to you Widow Chadwick. Are you sureyou know how to put a man on ice? Why not? Business should be practical and cold, so let's be practical. Lumberman, look.

How tall? Five feet, five and a half. Two hundred and thirteen feet. -How big around?-Twenty-four waist. Sixteen feet. Total footage? -Wonderfully proportioned.-Roughly 33,000 square feet. Every inch alive. Fourteen dollars per thousand board footdelivered in San Francisco.

You got soft lips. Now it takes five times as much laborto market one of the big trees as one of the little ones. There's only three times as much lumber. Therefore, the Giantsaren't nearly as profitable. -You haven't been kissed nearly enough.-I said profitable, Mr. Fallon. You ought to understand that. You're quitea mathematician to solve this problem. Will you take three percentor I'm taking your land?.

Like it says in the Bible,the Lord helps who helps himself. -Then you'll need a lot of help.-I've got it, a boatload. The Fallon's men,they're taking over the land office. Judge Crenshaw. -Judge Crenshaw, bless thee judge.-We're thankful you're here. I heard it all the way from Eureka,still swarming with boomers, I see. -They mean to claim our land.-Well, we'll see what can be done. I thought you were fillingin the names of the colonists Fallon? That was yesterday, my boys are filing,I want those application blanks.

I've got the cashright here to cover all of them. Just a minute Keller. Judge Crenshaw,must I take these applications? Yes, from anyone mean enoughto use this land grabbers law. Can't Mr. Keller wait,maybe some of us can raise filing cost. It can't wait. I know to claim lawyou've got to have a place in line. Let's have those application blanks. Step up boys,fill in those blanks and duplicate.

Fallon, this is subterfuge with intentto defraud filing under dummy signatures. These men aren't dummies,I'm only loaning them the money. Are you willingto go on record that's illegal? No, I'm not, but the courtwill go thoroughly into the case. Suits me fine,by that time the logs will be off, the court can have the stumps. Jim, you've got to let themkeep the big redwoods. I came here to get the big ones. He'll never get them.

We could have cut enough timberto raise our filing fees. However, we believed you Mr. Burns.We trusted you because of him. However, that's past Mr. Fallon.We know you now. With the help of the Lord,somehow we'll stop you. So far you've made a liar out of me. Hand backevery one of them application blanks. There ain't got to beany filing of any kind here. You win again Lucky. Keller, go ahead with those applications.

I beat you half to death once,now I'm going to finish the job. Please don't try it, Yukon. Don't do it Lucky, keep her out of this. Here's your boat fare. I hear there's still gold in Alaska. I'm staying here. Then you'll get hurt again. It's about timeyou got straight on that sourdough. He's twice the man you'll ever be.

Come on boys, fill out those blanks. I'd never treata timber boss of mine like that. Let you and I have a drink sometime. What's a better time than now? Wash us clean of hatred our Father,that we may call no man our enemy. Make our faith in theeto be without question of thy will, that we may livethe words of the Scripture. Love the Lord with all thy heart,with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Amen.

Thou at always welcome amongst us. However, I can't lick Fallon alone,now you got some mighty hefty boys here. If you'd use themthe way the Lord suggests. -That's right Yukon.-Sister. Hush, let him give his testimonial. Well, I've been a wicked man in my time with a weaknessfor drinking cards and other trifles. However,I've done some reading of the book. When it sayslove thy neighbor with all thy heart.

And with all my soul,that's great. However, if it's not enough,it tacks on with all thy might. That means might,and that there's fighting talk. It's the only kindJim Fallon will ever understand. -Violence is not in our creed.-Yes, I know. I believe in turning the other cheek,but you just about run out of cheeks. It's time you startedgrowing some religious muscles. -Thou does not understand our covenants.-Well, appears not. However, where I come from,.

The Lord didn't build strong backsto let wickedness seize the Earth. Whatever we do Mr. Burns,will be done in conformance with the law. However, Mr. Fallonis using the law to take our land. The Lord will not fail us. Well, it's no use. Thanks anyhow Elder,for letting me voice my theology. Father. Book of Job, 9th chapter, verse 22nd, they that hate theeshall be clothed with shame.

I'm Judge Crenshaw.I've been looking for you. I got somethingI want to talk to you about. -So have I?-Well then, hop in, both of you. We'll go over to your placewhere we can talk in private. Mr. Burns, I heard you were an honest manand good with a gun. I also heard you confess to a weaknessfor liquor, cards, and women. Not women, your Honor,they ain't for the weak. Well the principal reasons for my comingto Redwood was to appoint a marshal. Marshal?.

Well. -You got one judge.-Then that's settled. Congratulations, Yukon. I guess this gives himthe power to stop Jim Fallon. Well, it won't keep those applicationsof his from being mailed to Washington. It would take an act of God to stop that. Judge, just how would a legal mandefine an act of God? Well I'd say any cataclysm,which was not caused by the human hand. -Cataclysm?.

That got anything to do with cats? Nice kitty. -Sister Chadwick.-Good evening. Picking up with four-footed beasts. Don't blame you,what I've seen of the two-legged kind. Don't you think the new marshalwasn't an excellent choice? Mr. Burns is a good man. Transferred Fallon's claim moneyout of here into the bank. Didn't want it to reflect on meif anything happened.

I brought a letter of protestwritten by Judge Crenshaw, stating his opinionof our rights in this case. He wants a copy forwarded to Washington along with every oneof Jim Fallon's applications. It's getting late, and I'm awfully hungry. -That's a lot of copying.-I'll get started on it. -You go home and eat.-Thanks. Do you mind if we open a window,It's rather stuffy in here. I'll do it.

Better lock up after me. See you later Miss Alicia. Mr. Alicia,I have some grub for your cat. Get away, this ain't dog food. Cataclysm. Wait a minute. Don't want anybodytaking anything out of here? Sister Chadwick, what happened? It was my cat, Mr. Keller,getting out of the way of two stray dogs.

-Don't blame the cat at all.-Kitty. You're just going to stand thereand watch it burn? Well, it's quite a sight. My applications are in there. Your claim moneywas transferred to the bank, Fallon. I'm the only loser,it's burning down my courtroom. I see. I suppose no one thoughtof calling the fire department. How did it happen?.

Accident. Her cat. Dear sister,you're not the sweet child I first knew. -Me neither, Jim.-Let him that stole steal no more. Rather let him labor workingwith his hands the thing which is good. -Ephesians.-Verse four line 26. Twenty-eight. Kelly, you better wire Washington tonightfor a new batch of application blanks. What's your hurry?.

You can't file againuntil they send duplicate title records. That takes time. That is the most satisfying act of GodI've ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Judge, I demandyou appoint a marshal to investigate. I've appointed one. Marshal Burns,will you kindly look into this case? Marshal Burns. Yes, there's not muchI can do about an act of God. I set you a precedent, Mr. Fallon,the Chicago case of Mrs. O'Leary's cow.

Of course, we're not quiteso big as Chicago, we've only got a cat. Nice kitty. Just so rightly said,the Lord helps who helps himself? We'll raise the money for the filing feesby cutting and selling timber. That fire doesn't change a new law. Your flockcan't work on property they don't own. Mr. Fallon's right, that's the law. -I'll follow the law to the letter, Jim.-That's all I want. It looks like you'd haveto train that cat to steal trees.

Timber. Quiet, everybody, quietor I'll have you all removed. Fires may come and roll me burn,but this court is now in session. What are the defendantscharged with, Marshal? Your Honor,James Fallon accused of these men of cutting trees on landthey no longer own. That's right, those claimsare now the property of the US government. How do the defendants plead? -Guilty.-Thirty days of hard labor.

Marshall,I remand the prisoners to your custody and order you to seethat the sentence is carried out. They are to cut timberon government property. The logs to be transportedto Tidewater here at Redwood. Your Honor,what do you intend to do with those logs? Well, Section seven, Paragraph 18of the Penal Code states, trinkets or other saleable objectsproduced by prisoners may be sold. The money's given to themon release as an aid to rehabilitation. Logs 40 feet long are not trinkets.

This court is servingthe ends of justice, sir. You are held in contempt. Marshal,collect the gentleman's fine, $100. All right,but for $100, I want to say something. Two hundred dollars,any further remarks, I'll make it three. Put this in your safe,it'll more than cover the fine. Court's adjourned. The next 30 days, we must dosix-months work, night and day. Even on the Sabbath,we'll lift the ox from the ditch.

We'll need $50,000 to save our land. Marshall, will you kindly rushthe prisoners to the woods. One week more,God willing, we'll have our claim money. My old lady and the kidsare having it rough at home. I told youyou just have to wait for your money. That's no good. This partnership is finebut I need some cash. That goes for me, too. All the money I've got in the bank,I'm saving for more claim filing.

-The boys are talking about heading back.-Nobody wants to stay. That's the truth. Breaking up the team again? This time you can't leave, when the blanks get here,I'll need every one of you. -The boys don't feel good about it either.-About what? They don't like the dealyou're giving these natives. What's the matter with you birds,getting gooey? -We came out here to work, not steal.-This is strictly legal.

There is a lot of talk that it ain't. Frenchy,take the boys over to the saloon. It won't work, Jim. All right, I'll meet you at the bank. -Get out of here.-Let's go. Once you start that,they'll start hitting every week or so. Won't take longto whittle down your capital. -Thinking again?-Yes, Jim. Remember that sawmill man, Greg?.

He'd be a pretty soft partnerfor a smart fella like you. Stop thinking so hard, Frenchy. You'll have to get yourselfa bad headache. Fallon's getting down to a shoestring,he's finally dipped into his claim money. Here's where I steer you for financing. You mean I finally getan introduction to the great Jim Fallon? The Fallon Companybecomes McCraw and Gregg. You call the shots, Frenchy,we're with you. Your soft partnerdraws a pretty hard contract.

He really doesn't need you. -It's a good deal, Fallon.-Stop bluffing, Greg. Deceased, I get it. If anything happens to me,the Fallon Company goes to you two. Sign it, Jim. Craig herewill release funds to your account. I just want you to know I could seethrough that swamp you call it a brain. Jim is always suspicious. However,you won't sub me in the back.

Because you'll never geta stick to Tidewater without me. -How do you mean?-That little secret is my life insurance. Timber. -Timber.-Well look it here. Fellas, I don't want to impose on you, do you mind looking after these girlstill the rest of their baggage arrives? -You're what they call a lumberjack.-That's me, baby. My, you're strong. I've been sick.

Bartender! All right, men, have fun,the drinks are on the company. Talking machine. -Let's dance.-Are any of these boys married? I could drinkyour slipper full of white Mule. Take Aggie, she's from Texas. -Here.-Fill it up. Little Dorothy. I've been dreaming of you for days.I used to dance in a beer cake for dimes.

Remember that big, swell-headed lumberjackwho never had the dime? We're going all right now, honey. Say, how's it feelto be queen or Redwood City? Fine, if you're the king. The same old Jim. Daisy, honey, we're going to be very rich,just sign these, Dorothy. Yes, the same old Jim,what kind of loss is it this time? Those Wild westerners you warned meabout trying to cut my throat. This is justto give me a little protection.

It's lucky for youI learned to write instead of read. Thanks, darl, Jasper,you saw the lady sign these, notarized? Well, I'm ready for a nice, warm bath. The tub is down the hall. -What?-Well, I'll be seeing you, honey. -What?-I'm going to Sacramento for some days. You make yourself at home. -Frenchy will look after you.-Frenchy Lacroix? Sure, be nice to him, come in.

Miss Fisher,may I present Sister Chadwick? Forget your tambourine, honey. I'm sorry, Jim, I didn't mean to intrude. -Daisy is an old friend.-He means well seasoned. I came to tell youwe've cut enough timber. Our logs will soon be at Tidewater,our faith has been realized. We'll be able to keep our lands,my father and I wanted you to know if you want to stayhere and work, we'll help. Goodbye, Miss Fisher, goodbye, Jim.

Jim, lucky for youmy father never owned a shotgun. -What about hers?-Believe me, Daisy. I'd rather have my head shot off by a figthan my soul saved by a Bixby. Have fun, girl. -Champagne.-We'll drink to one. -We've got a lot of things in common.-Yes, name one. Well, we've both been Jim Fallon's chumps,I'm through, how about you? What's rattling aroundin that head of yours? Look, Daisy, Jim's out of town.

He's up to something,you're part of it, what's going on? -Why don't you ask Jim when he gets back?-I'm paying cash money for information. I have a notion to tell Jim about this. You stye on the eye of a flea on the thighof a nick on the neck of a gnat. Am I seeing things,that dam wasn't there last week? Not like that, it wasn't. However, the foundation's been theresince the old mining days. -Jim Fallon.-Well, he sure got the columnist blocked. Not just the columnists.

Nobody's running any more logsto Tidewater without my say so. However, we're partners. Correct, I've got youright where you thought you had me. -You bought that dam with my money.-I don't own it. I just got permissionto control the river with it. Fallon, you've gone too far. No, my good healthis very important to you boys. Anything happens to me the owner of that dam will seethat you never get a lock to market.

By the way I brought backanother surprise for you from Sacramento. Be in town this afternoon,I have an appointment with Judge Crenshaw. The franchise for the dam is validvia property rights established by miners when it was gold rush country. We've got to locate the owner. -I'm sure if he knew what it means.-The owner's a woman, Dora Fig. Dora Fig? Sacramento Post office boxis the only address. I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do,absolutely nothing.

Thank you Judge Crenshaw,for making that clear. Help me Jim, I can hardly keep this gunfrom going off right in your face. Don't blame me, you're the onethat led these sheep right in the middle of this wolf fight. Judge Crenshaw, this is for you, from the headof the Department of Interior. It's my considered opinion thatFallon company can without penalty, proceed to take possessionof and clear their land. -You mean they can cut down our trees.-I'm afraid they can.

Frenchy, you and Gregset the boys to work right now. Possessing and clearing the land. You see Sister Chadwick, you and yourfriends could have made a pile of money. Didn't you ever learnany other word except money? You're getting in a rut, Jim,you better look out, because when a rutgets deep enough it becomes a grave. You got a couple of partnersliable to put you in it. Lord, hear our last prayer in this temple. If its destruction be by thy will,then to thy higher judgment, we bow.

Open the hearts of each of usto speak forgiveness for these men of greedwho have not been touched by thy understanding, amen. Don't take any back talk,we've got the law with us. Come out of there you fools,you're in the line of fall. -We must leave.-It's our home, my place is here. They want to go downwith the ship, hard luck. -You'll be murdered.-It's Fallon's company. He gets life for murder,we get the company.

The years that grew into these treesmake them long and tedious to saw. There's time to get our friends,Judge Crenshaw and the Marshall. Go up, hurry. What's the matter with you,you undercut that tree to hit the cabin. -That's right.-Stop the sawing. -Where's the Bixbys?-How should I know? Sorry, but you may lose your house. -My father's in there.-Stay here. -Jim, you're under arrest.-Falon ordered us to fall that tree.

Stop, don't do it, Jim. It's your company, Fallon,you're the man that'll have to face the indictment for murder. Trying me already? No,you'll get a fair trial but not from me. I'm prejudiced,I'll have to disqualify myself. However, you'll get your justice. Take him to Eurekaand hold him without bail. Fallon will hang for this.

-What?-It was premeditated murder. That's not true,he meant my father no harm. Jim Fallonrisked his life trying to save him. I saw him, you saw him, too? Well he's still responsiblefor the actions of the Fallon company. His own Woods bosswill testify against him. I'll testify for him. Marshall, let Fallon go. Can't hold a man to answerwhen the chief witness is for the defense.

Release him. Thanks. My people forgivethose who trespass against us. My father most of all. Brother, witnesses told me Frenchy'sbeen making threats on Jim's life. Why do you care,anybody who shoots Jim Fallon, be the most popular fella in town. -You're the marshal, don't let it happen.-Why? -Just don't let it happen.-Goodbye golly.

Hey, you're not in lovewith that no good, are you? My girl, you're crazy. You see a big Tom leopardout in the woods, you don't get close. That is unlessyou happen to be a lady leopard. -He's been gentle enough with me.-That when he does his creeping. Are you listening to me, girl? A myriad personcan straitjacket Jim Fallon and lock him in a boxin the bottom of the sea. He'd still flip the gaffand run off with the wedding presents.

Men have been known to change. Lady, even I've been given upby women reformers. The biggest mistakea woman can make is to pick the wrong man and try to make him right. Why don't you just go off somewhereand have a good cry and forget him? I'm reminding you of your duty, Marshall,see that he's protected. Alicia, it started, what do we do? -Are you sure?-Yes. It feels like any minute.

-Take her to the hotel, room 204.-204, that's Jim Fallon's room. Why not, this is all his fault. See those lighted windows upstairs,they're his. You get up in the land office ruinsmaybe you can pot him from there. Charlie, he doesn't know you,you take the saloon. Baldock, I'll stay out here,you get on the hotel porch. He comes through the lobby, signals me,one of us has got to get him. -Come on upstairs.-Now what have I done? I want to talk to you.

-Hey stranger, what'll it be?-Double straight. Your sister will be all right. -What's that?-Baby. This is one thing you can't pin on me. Looks like youand the stork arrived at the same time. -What?-Bill, it's a boy. Street was no place for a baby to be born. -Whose baby?-Where can I find some water? -Right down the hall right now.-Thank you.

What is this, a hotel or a nursery? A baby was just born here thanks to Jim. -Congratulations.-What do you mean, thanks to Jim? I'd better get out of here,it might be catching. Now, what's this all about? You and your land grabbersforced them out of their home. -I had nothing to do with it.-Too bad his father can't be here. I had nothing to do with that either. For all I care,you can stay on your pious pedestal.

I've never placed myself on any pedestal,I'm too full of bad temper. -What a girl.-You jigger-bitten Don Juan. Try pitching hay with herand I'll shoot that lump you call a head right outfrom under your hat. Forget it, I tried once,got frostbite in the middle of July. -That don't mean she's not stuck on you.-You're crazy. Yes, maybe so, when you signedthat deal it was heads you die and tails you get killed. Who do you thinkgot me looking after you?.

-Alicia Chadwick.-I don't believe you. Why should you,would mean anything to you. You're going to haveeverything you wanted. Going to be a millionaire. -Sure.-Why don't you tell the truth just once? Why don't you come cleanand admit that all this wine you're guzzling is as sour as vinegar? -Tell me more.-You stink and stake jumper. I'm only trying to save your hide,not because I want to, but I promised her.

You still like me, don't you? Come on, sweetheart,I want you to watch me, thank Alicia for sending you back to me. Let's go. Get back, Lucky. Yukon loved this girl, he understood. -Look where it got him.-He lost his life protecting you. He should have looked out for himself. When I was a child I was taughtto believe that there was a God-given seed.

Of good at the root of everything alive. However, I'm beginning to doubt that now. There isn't the slightest bitof good in you. -I got your message, what do you want?-Come in. Sit down, Judge. Look, I figured outhow you can stop Frenchie and Greg from cutting on that land. I had that figured out long ago,but you'd have to confess to subterfuge and intent to defraudwhen you file those claims for homesteads,.

And that's a felony. Sit down and draw up an affidavit. -What?-You heard me. The government will holdall your money for forfeit. What do you want me to do,burst out in tears? Yes, I've been trying to makea dent in you ever since I got here. Stop trying or you'll break your axe. Get those coloniesthe logging so they can file. Will you take care of Dora Figgand the dam that's blocking them?.

-Let's pretend I'm Dora Figg.-You thought of everything, didn't you? I admire what you're doing Fallon. Then keep your mouth shut about it,around everybody. What you think Frenchy and Gregwill do when they find out? -Just stand there with their hands folded?-Just make out that affidavit, will you? Here,I'll give you back your good luck piece. -You'll need it with those tree wolves.-Thanks, Judge. I'll be needing some eating money too. -Want to cover that.-It's covered.

Crime and deals. Come on, I'll teach you to thinkof your soul instead of your belly. Check those fruit to San Francisco. Hate to see you leave, honey,sure going to miss you. You'll be beating the drumswhile she's singing her hymns. Happy trip,just Dora Figg these, will you? You'll have to talk to Frenchyabout little Dora Figg? -Come again?-I sold the dam to Frenchy for $25,000. Daisy, honey, that's not funny.

What's the matter, wrong flavor? -You're telling the truth.-That property was mine. After all,I couldn't live forever on your promises. What promise did I ever break to you? You never broke any,but you're never kept any. It took me ten yearsto get the stars out of my eyes. All the rugs I helped youpull out from under the suckers. I learned, boy how I learned. Enough to pullthe whole floor right out from under you.

Boy, knock me sky-high. You'll land on your feet, you always do. That 25,000 will repay mefor all the years I've wasted. Yes, man, I finally got myself a steak. Got yourself educated and well-heeled? Nice work, Daisy. I'm patting myselfon the back too for being a good teacher. So long, pal, no hard feelings. Thanks, Brother Fallon.

Judge Crenshaw saidyou let us through the dam. -Blessings on thee, this beautiful day.-Frenchy bought the dam out from under me. You're choking the riverwith logs for nothing. -Is this another of thy tricks?-Spots of the leopard do not change. Well, it's time to change yours. Why don't you get some bristleson your back and start the fight? It's your only chance to spring those logsand get back your land. -You can't pray that dam out of the way.-No, but we can get around it. That old mining railroad on our property.

It wouldn't take alot to bypass the damand haul the logs to the river below it. Sister, that'll do it,we'll need some rails and tools. I'll swindle somebody out of them. -Swindle?-Borrow. Sometimes it's all the same. How many of you menworked on this first rack last time? Judge Crenshaw donated this,feed your boys well, they work faster. It was very kind of him,and you too for helping us. Sister Chadwick, just between us leopards,keep watching my spots.

Fallon is almostto the river with that track. Yes,it gets there, we're out of business. Yes, the way their cutting timber. -How many trestles are there?-Three. Show me the one nearest the river. Come in. -My first time in a caboose.-Sister Wallace. Sister Blackburnwent to town with the baby. How are we doing?.

Just fine,five carloads have gone already, and this one goes this afternoon. Hate to admit it,but thanks to Brother Fallon. It is goodto have him on our side, isn't it? It makes one feel likethe strength of Jeroboam was with us. Thee must mean Jeremiah,Jeroboam was a scamp. I guess I mean both. See thee later. Tell Mr. Fallon I'll be hereuntil suppertime, if he needs me.

All right. -Next one, she'll cave.-I thought that one would do it. -What was that?-We'd better find out. -He's right in there.-Quiet, he might have a gun. Who is it? Better speak up fast. Colonists? We'll never find him in this brush. We'd better get a trainover that trestle quick.

Release the brake on the cabooseand lock the doors. We'll take care of the end cars. Sister Chadwick figured outwe need two more carloads. I think it'll be quickerto get them from below, let's move. Hey boss. What happened? They said one more train would crash it. Crash what? The third trestle near the river.

-Sounds like a train now.-Can't be. The locomotive's not due to one o'clock. Get him to a doctor. Of course, it is a train. -Where's Sister Chadwick?-She's in that caboose. Sister Chadwick, thank God you're safe. However, no thanks to you,you a sanctimonious bunch of jellyfish. They shot Brother Williams,they almost killed her. Now we can't salvagethat train or repair the trestle.

We can't get logs to Tidewateras long as that dam stands in the way. Now, I'm asking you for the last time,help me smash that dam. -Don't hurry.-Think it over. You got two whole secondsbefore I get out of here. Wait. May God forgive us, Brother Fallon. Lead us and we'll follow. Come on. The men with the dynamite come with me.

-Tiny, keep us covered all the time.-Right. Now brothers,you know the job we have to do. Fallon's taken over the dam,I think he's going to dynamite it. -They're going to blow it up.-Quiet, what's that? Don't move,the hand of judgment is upon you. You brothers with the rope, get busy. Stand thee aside Sisterswhile I use the stone. I don't feel a bit wicked,bring me another stone. Take cover.

They look different to you, now. Mrs. Fallon, please, couldn't I? Just one little one?

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