BUCK:
Now, when we get there I don't want you busting in like some buckin' bronco, young man. I want you to be real nice to these ladies and get to know 'em.
JD:
Buck, how many times do I got to tell you I already know what to do.
BUCK:
I'm just trying to help-- it being your first time and all.
JD:
You must have wax in your ears. This ain't my first. I've had a whole gaggle of women.
BUCK:
Well, sure you have, JD just trying to make sure that little gaggle of yours didn't miss a spot. Hold on, boy. Well, there it is. Wickes town.
JD:
Wickes town.
BUCK:
Come on.
JD:
Let's go. Who is this guy Wickes?
BUCK:
Friend of the local ranchers. He brought in some sportin' women and, uh, built this paradise. Hey, darlin'. What do you say we sample a little of Wickes' whiskey and get you in the mood, JD? Come on, boy. Hey. How you doin'? Come on!
JD:
Isn't that Chris?
BUCK:
Hmm?
JD:
Let's go say hi.
BUCK:
No. Over here.
BARTENDER:
What'll it be, Gents?
BUCK:
Two... whiskies.
WICKES:
On the house. Welcome, gentlemen. The first drink is always free to new customers.
BUCK:
You must be Wickes.
WICKES:
Guilty as charged, my friend. If you want a special brand of whiskey a card game or a girl just say the word, it's yours.
BUCK:
Thank you.
WICKES:
Excuse me, gentlemen.
BUCK:
To, uh... To Wickes town.
JD:
Wickes town.
WICKES:
Kolish, you want the usual? Nora... Get over here. Nora.
LYDIA:
Not him again.
NORA:
I'm not feeling too good.
LYDIA:
Hey, why don't you spend the afternoon with me?
WICKES:
Lydia.
LYDIA:
Let me talk to Wickes alone.
WICKES:
You're coming with me, Nora.
LYDIA:
You miss me, sugar?
CHRIS:
You all right?
LYDIA:
I'm fine. She's not.
BUCK:
Which one do you fancy, JD?
JD:
Oh... That one.
BUCK:
Oh, good choice. You want me to arrange it for you?
JD:
No. I can do it.
BUCK:
Damn. You can do it.
JD:
Pardon me. Hi. Hi. Hi. I'm JD
EMILY:
Hi. Come with me.
BUCK:
The man's first time. Brings back fond memories.
BARTENDER:
It does.
BUCK:
You know, come to think of it the first time was not good.
BARTENDER:
Usually ain't.
BUCK:
I think I'd better follow him and make sure he doesn't trip over it on the way to her tent. See ya.
JD:
So... you been here long?
EMILY:
Not too long.
JD:
Where you from?
EMILY:
Arkansas.
JD:
Really?
EMILY:
Don't be shy, honey.
JD:
Oh, my...
EMILY:
Come on, you.
( woman screaming )
WICKES:
Don't you tell me my business, woman! If you ever question my authority again, I'll kill you! Do you understand me?! I'll kill you, do you hear? I'd advise you to mind your own business, friend.
BUCK:
I'd advise you to let the lady go... friend.
LYDIA:
Nora. Nora, honey. She needs a doctor.
WICKES:
You're going to need one worse, Mister. Come here. Hold him for me. don't ever tell a man what to do with his own property.
( gunshot )
CHRIS:
Buck, we're leaving. We're taking her with us.
BUCK:
Get off me. Get off me!
JD:
Buck, let's go.
CHRIS:
JD, get the guns and the horses.
WICKES:
This ain't over
NATHAN:
She's in bad shape. Got some broken ribs, some nasty cuts some old bruises, too. Someone's been treating her pretty rough.
NORA:
I got to get back. He'll be mad.
NATHAN:
It's okay, honey. You're safe here.
NORA:
I'll just owe more.
NATHAN:
Owe who? Wickes?
NORA:
He paid my way out here. I have to pay him back.. With interest. I came because he promised me so much. But the more I work, the more I owe.
VIN:
Sounds like a good deal. For him.
( knocking at door )
MARY:
Mr. Larabee? May I have a word with you, please?
JD:
So then Buck starts swinging at this bull of a man like there's no tomorrow.
BUCK:
More like a pig of a man if you ask me.
JOSIAH:
Sounds like a righteous fight.
JD:
He almost got us killed. What the hell got into you, Buck?
BUCK:
Nothing. You just don't treat women like that.
JD:
I agree you don't treat women like that, but now we can't go back to Wickes town. I really think that Emily and I could have had something. I mean, she said that she might not even charge me.
( Buck and Josiah laugh )
JD:
What? It's true.
BUCK:
Yeah.
JOSIAH:
That's too bad, JD, 'cause from where I sit, that'd be right charitable of her.
JD:
What do you know, preacher? Women never meant nothing to you.
JOSIAH:
What I don't know about women ain't worth knowing. Anyway-- the important thing to remember is the act of love should be a truly spiritual experience.
JD:
"Spiritual"?
JOSIAH:
Mm-hmm. See... Adam and Eve, they got thrown out of paradise for doing it. So when we do it, it better be right so their loss was not in vain.
BUCK:
Amen to that, brother.
JD:
Is there anyone alive who doesn't feel obliged to give me advice?
MARY:
I'm not telling you what to do.
CHRIS:
You're suggesting awful strong.
MARY:
Look, she's your responsibility.
CHRIS:
I brought her here 'cause she needs looking after.
MARY:
When she gets better, You'll take her elsewhere.
CHRIS:
Well, that's, uh... that's mighty Christian of you, Mrs. Travis.
MARY:
Mr. Larabee, things are hard enough for this town without her kind here.
CHRIS:
The hurt kind?
MARY:
The working kind.
CHRIS:
It's one girl, Mrs. Travis.
MARY:
Just one, Mr. Larabee?
LYDIA:
You have Nora?
NATHAN:
She's all right.
LYDIA:
She okay?
CHRIS:
Yeah.
NATHAN:
She can't be moved yet, but she'll be all right.
LYDIA:
I'm grateful for your help.
BUCK:
You ladies out for a morning ride?
LYDIA:
We snuck out at dawn. Grabbed everything we could. We looked over our shoulders the whole way here.
CHRIS:
Vin, take a look around.
BUCK:
We'll point you in whatever direction.
LYDIA:
Came looking for you. When I saw there were men finally standing up to Wickes I knew we could get out of that place. I'm asking you for a safe place to stay here, to protect us. We can pay you.
MARY:
I'm sorry, but it's best if you just move on.
LYDIA:
Maybe it's best if you let these men answer themselves.
MARY:
These men don't run this town.
LYDIA:
And you do?
MARY:
I have a say.
LYDIA:
I'll bet you do.
BUCK:
If you'll excuse me, ma'am.
BUCK:
So, what do you think, Chris?
CHRIS:
About what?
BUCK:
About the ladies.
CHRIS:
It's a problem.
BUCK:
Yeah.
CHRIS:
But you can handle it.
BUCK:
Me?!
CHRIS:
You're the one who picked the fight.
BUCK:
You're the one that carried the girl away.
CHRIS:
You started it, you finish it.
BUCK:
Fine. Then, the ladies stay. Need more women around here anyway.
MARY:
I disagree.
EZRA:
Ah, please. Please, folks. Let's, uh... let's give these ladies some room. Now, if you'll allow me to escort you to the hotel or the bathhouse. Bet a nice warm tub of water sounds appealing.
EMILY:
Sure does.
EZRA:
Uh, listen, perhaps, after you're more rested we could discuss a solution to your predicament. I have a few ideas.
LADY:
Oh!
VIN:
Easy. Come on.
MARY:
This girl's beating is typical of the kind of behavior prostitution incites.
BUCK:
Not exactly polite behavior to throw 'em back to the wolves now, is it?
MARY:
I'm just saying...
CHRIS:
If they want to stay it's a free country. It's their right.
MARY:
We have the right to a safe and decent community to raise our children.
VIN:
Got company.
MARY:
( sighs )
QUINT:
Tear this place apart! Find them girls!
QUINT:
We're looking for some girls.
VIN:
Ain't we all?
QUINT:
You're going to want to stay out of the way while we look around.
VIN:
Suit yourself... but I'll tell you right now the pickin's are mighty slim.
QUINT:
Let's go.
( Buck chuckling )
( hacking )
NATHAN:
Get down. It's nasty. I think it's catching.
EZRA:
Oh, no...consumption.
( Ezra hacking )
EZRA:
Go call the priest.
NATHAN:
They're gone.
EZRA:
Oh.
MAN:
We're looking for...
JOSIAH:
God, I hope. Join me in prayer, my brothers. Lord, forgive these sinners who enter your house with instruments of death. Please do not send them into a fiery... agonizing grave where a thousand flames eat away at their flesh for all of eternity.
Though thou art mighty and these men are lowly do not spite them, Lord! How was that?
( giggles )
VIN:
No luck? Well, if you find one wandering around out there, tell her she's welcome here.
QUINT:
Let's go. Get up! Hyah!
CHRIS:
They're gone. You can come out now.
LYDIA:
I'll be out in a while.
CHRIS:
Well, we need to have a little talk.
LYDIA:
Come on in.
CHRIS:
Come find me in the saloon when you're decent.
LYDIA:
You know I ain't shy.
CHRIS:
I think it's best that you ladies, uh... went on your way.
LYDIA:
Little Miss Muffet does have a say over you, then.
CHRIS:
It's got nothing to do with her. Next time, it'll be Wickes who shows up and I don't
want to see anyone get hurt especially you.
LYDIA:
He won't rest till we're back with him, or dead.
CHRIS:
We'll take you to Ridge City. Y'all can catch a train there.
LYDIA:
And what if he follows us?
CHRIS:
We'll protect you.
LYDIA:
From what I've seen a man like you could protect me just about anywhere.
CHRIS:
Lydia, you're leaving.
LYDIA:
I think we'll stay make a stand right here.
CHRIS:
If you stay, you're on your own.
LYDIA:
Always have been, always will be.
CHRIS:
( sighs )
( harmonica playing )
CHRIS:
We need a new plan.
EMILY:
You want us to do what?
EZRA:
To become mail-order brides.
( women laughing )
EZRA:
Getting married is the only permanent solution to your predicament and I am just the man to arrange it for you.
WOMAN:
Getting married's like what we been doing, only for no money.
EZRA:
Ah, yes but not if you marry well and let me explain to you ladies exactly what I mean by "well." Only the most well-bred well-mannered and well-financed gentlemen need apply and for a small finder's fee I will personally screen all applicants. Ladies I am talking about placement in some of the finest homes in the territory.
EMILY:
And what would men like that want with girls like us?
EZRA:
What they don't know won't hurt them and if you'll consent to a little tutoring-- I call it "charm school"-- those gentlemen will be convinced that they are marrying the queen of England herself.
( women giggling )
BUCK:
Hey! Why don't you go on over to her?
JD:
If you are so hell bent on a roll in the hay why don't you go buy one for yourself?
BUCK:
I don't pay for it.
JD:
Yeah, right.
BUCK:
I never have, never will.
JD:
You're trying to tell me that you've never slept with... one of those ladies?
BUCK:
Oh, I been with plenty of them but I never paid for it.
JD:
Mind telling me how that's possible?
BUCK:
Well... when you know them like I have you come to respect them and respect buys an awful lot of kindness.
JD:
You're talking like they were your family.
BUCK:
Come to feel like family when you been raised up together.
JD:
Wait a minute. You grew up in a...? Your mother was a...
BUCK:
She was a saint.
LYDIA:
Don't mean to interrupt.
MARY:
Uh, not at all. I was just, uh... working.
LYDIA:
I was wondering if I could talk to you about a job.
MARY:
Excuse me?
LYDIA:
I used to be pretty good with my letters and such. I thought maybe you could use a hand.
MARY:
Here?
LYDIA:
Well, it might surprise you but I'm very good at lots of things.
MARY:
I'm sorry. I, um... I don't have any positions available.
LYDIA:
Figures. I seen enough people like you before.
MARY:
Wai... if you're insinuating this is some kind of... of prejudice, you're quite wrong. It's just that my... my business is small and...
LYDIA:
Now I understand.
MARY:
Understand what?
LYDIA:
If he's yours, I'll leave it be.
MARY:
If who? You mean Mr. Larabee?
LYDIA:
I may be a lot of things, but I'm no thief.
MARY:
Well, I'm afraid you're mistaken. Our relationship is entirely professional. You see, my father-in-law is a circuit judge who hired Mr. Larabee and those men to protect...
LYDIA:
So... he's fair game?
MARY:
Of course. Absolutely.
LYDIA:
Good.
WICKES:
Stupid half-wit! Idiot! How hard can it be to find a wagonload of whores?!
QUINT:
We went to three towns. They weren't there.
WICKES:
I know Lydia. That mother cat bitch would never leave Nora behind. Where's the nearest doctor?
QUINT:
There weren't none. The closest thing was some black fella tending to the sick. But Nora wasn't there. Hell, there was hardly any women in the whole town.
WICKES:
And that didn't strike you as strange? Yeah, maybe there was one or two they forgot to tell you about. Go on, get out of here! We'll pay them another visit tomorrow. You two, get out of here. I'm not in the mood anymore.
JOSIAH:
Here we go.
( bell clangs twice )
WICKES:
I'll ask you one time. Where are my girls?
CHRIS:
Anybody seen any girls?
JOSIAH:
Just the ones on them horses.
BUCK:
All I see is a pig on a horse.
VIN:
Hyah! Giddy up!
WICKES:
That's my wagon! He's got my whores!
VIN:
Yah! Yah!
WICKES:
He's headed for the mountains! Cut him off!
( gunshot )( gunshot )
WICKES:
We got them now! Let's go, boys!
QUINT:
Let's run for it. Yah!
VIN:
Yah! Yah!
( gunshots )
WICKES:
They're headed straight for the cliff!
BUCK:
You son of a bitch, Wickes!
WICKES:
Don't you try to put this off on me. It was you bastards that caused my girls to get killed.
NATHAN:
After you chased them off the cliff!
WICKES:
All they had to do was stop! Do you have any idea how much this cost me?
BUCK:
Go to hell.
CHRIS:
Mister... you better git before I do something you'll regret.
WICKES:
I'd be glad to put a bullet through you but I wouldn't waste decent metal on a bunch of whores.
BUCK:
How'd we do?
( men laughing )
BUCK:
We tricked 'em.
VIN:
Boys, this job gets better every day.
NATHAN:
Good riding, cowboy.
BUCK:
I picked these just for you.
WOMAN:
Why, how lovely. Thank you, sir.
BUCK:
You're welcome, ma'am and may I just say that you are looking lovely today yourself. Perhaps I could interest you in a... a hayride later this evening?
WOMAN:
Oh, a hayride sounds lovely.
EZRA:
Stop. Stop right there.
BUCK:
Oh, for the love of... w-what is it this time?
WOMAN:
Yeah, I said "lovely." Twice.
EZRA:
You said the word but your intention was clearly lascivious. A lady...
( loud scraping )
EZRA:
A lady... Would have slapped his oafish, drooling face.
BUCK:
I resent that.
EZRA:
Would you please stop that!
JOSIAH:
I got to get down to the grain. Things are most beautiful in their natural state.
BUCK:
Amen.
EZRA:
Yes, but they won't attract a husband in their natural state, So... let's try again. Buck-- If you would, please. This time with... Dignity.
NATHAN:
Dignity?! You know... It take a bold man to talk about dignity when he trying to sell women off like they're cattle.
EZRA:
I'll ignore that.
NATHAN:
You better do that. How else you going to get some sleep tonight?
EZRA:
Anything else?
NATHAN:
About making profit off the back of another human being? Hell, yeah, I got a lot to say. But... it would just be wasted on you.
EZRA:
Well, now. Where were we?
VIN:
Keep, one gut-warmer.
LYDIA:
Don't worry. I'm not working.
VIN:
It don't matter to me.
LYDIA:
I really appreciated your help this morning. We agreed amongst ourselves we will obey your rules while we're here.
VIN:
Shouldn't you be laying low? Somebody could recognize you and tell Wickes.
LYDIA:
Your friend Larabee send you here to say that?
VIN:
I look like a messenger boy?
LYDIA:
Sorry. Mr. Larabee ain't as friendly as he usually is.
VIN:
Maybe he don't want to get caught 'tween you and the town.
LYDIA:
You mean 'tween me and Mrs. Travis. Anyway, I'm tired of making decisions depending on what other people want. I'm going to go check in on Nora.
JOSIAH:
Not too sure how I feel about spying on the boy.
BUCK:
We're not spying on him. We're just checking up on him making sure he's doing all right.
JOSIAH:
Oh. Well, that's different.
BUCK:
Okay.
( woman moaning )
EMILY:
Oh, JD! Oh, my! Oh! Oh! Oh, yes! Oh! Ah-ah!
( howling screams )
JOSIAH:
Was...? Was that a howl?
EMILY:
Oh, yeah! Oh, JD! ( howling screams ) Oh, yes!
BUCK:
( laughing )
JD:
They're gone. Oh, you should have seen their faces.
EMILY:
That was fun.
JD:
A nice touch with that howl.
EMILY:
Oh, thanks. ( howls )
JD:
( howls )
EMILY:
( laughing )
JD:
You know, before, When we tried I, uh...
EMILY:
Hey, shh. Don't worry.
JD:
No, I-- I just, I think that I'm ready. I mean, I-- I-- I... I could do it now.
EMILY:
Oh. That's great, JD but your friends are gone and, uh... I got to go.
JD:
No, but I'm, I'm... Emily, I can, I can do it. I'm ready.
EMILY:
Night, JD ( howling )
JD:
"Ow"?
WICKES:
You'll find living here not too uncomfortable if you do what you're told. You heard what happened to the last girl who disobeyed, didn't you? But... first things first. Let's, uh... get better acquainted.
QUINT:
Wickes.
WICKES:
I'm busy!
QUINT:
Yes, sir, but this is important. He saw one of the girls, alive.
MARY:
Nathan. Nathan. Brought you some breakfast.
NATHAN:
Oh, that's mighty kind of you, ma'am but I think she can use it more than me.
MARY:
Oh. Well, um... sure, you can give it to her.
NATHAN:
Uh... could you do it, Miss Travis? I I I got to get some sleep.
MARY:
No. No, I don't mind.
NATHAN:
Thank you, ma'am.
MARY:
Um... Miss? Nora?
NORA:
Oh. My, how nice of you. Thank you.
( coughing )( coughing )
MARY:
Here, let me.
NORA:
Oh. Never had breakfast in bed before. Heck, at my house I was lucky to have any breakfast at all there being so many of us kids. I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble.
MARY:
No, you're no trouble.
NORA:
This whole thing is all my fault.
MARY:
Hush, now. You didn't do anything wrong.
NORA:
If I had just done what he told me... but I couldn't be with that man again. He always asks for me and he hurts me. that's what he likes to do. I just couldn't take it one more time.
VIN:
Whitley pass is less traveled. It'll be safer.
CHRIS:
We leave in the morning.
LYDIA:
Why in the morning?
NORA:
Lydia, he took Mrs. Travis.
CHRIS:
Who?
NORA:
Wickes. Says we got to go back by day's end or he'll kill her.
LYDIA:
I'm coming with you.
CHRIS:
No, you're not.
LYDIA:
It was my fault he took her.
CHRIS:
It's too dangerous.
VIN:
It'd be better if you stayed with the girls. Keep them together.
LYDIA:
But I can help, I know his type.
CHRIS:
Lydia, you're staying.
You know, we go in there all spit and vinegar there's a good chance she gets hurt.
VIN:
Yeah. Well, what we need is some sort of a... distraction.
EZRA:
To be perceived as a lady, one must have the bearing of a lady. Now, this will...
VIN:
Walks awful graceful, don't he?
BARTENDER:
You ain't applying for a job, are you, Missy?
EZRA:
Well, well... actually, yes, I am. I'm an entertainer.
MAN:
Hey, darlin'. ( man groaning )
EZRA:
Not that kind of entertainer. I'm a singer.
BARTENDER:
A singer, heh? Well, a singer don't got to be no great beauty.
PATRON:
Why... why don't you sing for us, honey?
WICKES:
Pretty high and mighty, Aren't you?
MARY:
Higher than you? Yes, I am.
WICKES:
You know... there's no difference between you and any of my girls. The only thing separating you is luck-- the luck of having a decent family maybe a little family money. What if it all went away? What if you had no family? No husband? Maybe he left you with a few... mouths to feed. Would you... would you let them starve? Is your precious pride worth the life of your child? Huh?
EZRA:
From this valley they say you are going we will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile. For they say you are taking the sunshine...
DRUNK:
Come on, darlin'. Have a drink with me.
EZRA:
Come and sit by my side if you love me... Do not hasten to bid me adieu...
DRUNK:
Aw, come on, honey sit on my lap.
MAN:
There's a fight in the bar!
WICKES' MAN 1:
Ain't you the...?
JOSIAH:
You should have prayed when you had the chance.
( revolver clicking )
WICKES' MAN 2:
You can move, or you can live.
BUCK:
That was going to be a tough choice.
WOMAN:
Well, come on in, honey.
JD:
Sorry.
CHRIS:
Did he hurt you?
MARY:
I'm all right. I'm fine.
WICKES:
Welcome back to Wickes town. This is almost too easy.
CHRIS:
Come on. Let's go.
Mount up.
WICKES:
( groans )
CHRIS:
Let's go.
Come on, Buck.
VIN:
Let's ride.
EZRA:
Ladies? Ladies, I brought some candidates right here for you.
EMILY:
I'm sorry, Ezra but we're going to try our luck in Frisco.
EZRA:
Frisco?
EMILY:
Mm-hmm.
EZRA:
But what about these fine gentlemen?
EMILY:
Well, they've got them even finer in Frisco and you don't have to marry them.
EZRA:
Uh, this is just, uh... Just a temporary setback.
POTENTIAL HUSBAND 1:
What about our money?
EZRA:
Well, I'm sure we can find plenty of suitable...
POTENTIAL HUSBAND 2:
Excuse me, Mister. Do you, by chance, sing?
( laughing )
BUCK:
Give us a song, Ezra.
JD:
You know, there is more to those ladies than meets the eye but hell if I can figure it out.
BUCK:
Welcome to manhood, kid. Yeah. Hyah!