Desert Fury (1947)

[bunniefuu]

Couple of more minutes,
we'll be blowing the suds

off some nice, long Colas.

The desert. I'd personally
give it back to the Indians.

When you get
to the bridge, stop.

Halverson said he'd meet us
in town. Might miss him.

We shouldn't have
come back here.

Mind your own business.

They didn't fix it.

Why don't you take
a picture of it?

Shut up.

I've got a picture
of it... in my head.

Please, I'm in a hurry.

Back up and let her through.

- Did you notice, Johnny?
- Yeah. I noticed.

- Paula, you're supposed to--
- Where's Fritzi?

At home. Didn't come down
this afternoon.

- Does she know that--
- No.

And don't you call her
and tell her.

- No.
- Hi!

Window shopping?

Yes, but we don't like
what we see.

It's too cheap.

I ought to give you
a ticket for that.

It'd be worth it.
The way they jumped.

Like two hens.

You might've k*lled 'em.

It was self defense,
they're throwing knives at me.

There's still one stickin'
in your back.

Here,
I'll pull it out for you.

- Glad to see me?
- Not particularly.

I'm glad to see you, too.

Let's have a drink.

What's new in Chuckawalla?

- Crime or gossip?
- Any difference?

Depends on where you're sittin'.

Always has.

Why'd you come back?

The big city scares me.
I'm a small-town girl.

How long you gonna be
this time, Paula?

- Long time, I think.
- What does your mother think?

Give me a cigarette.

I'm a big girl now, I'm allowed
to play with matches.

Hello, Mr. Bendix.

Hanson... Tom Hanson.

- You remember good.
- Some things I remember good.

I don't suppose I'll forget you.

Stayin' around here?

- Halverson Ranch.
- Business?

Coppers!
All the same. Big mouths.

- Always asking questions.
- I was talkin' to him.

- I'm answerin' ya.
- Go find out about Halverson.

Coppers. All the same.

You were sayin'?

I was askin' if you were
here on business.

No, nothing like that.

I just came out to be
on the desert.

Oh.

What's your name?

My name is Paula...
Paula Haller.

I'll make it formal.
Paula, meet Mr. Bendix.

We've met.

On the bridge,
coming into town.

- Glad to know you.
- Halverson couldn't wait.

He left the keys.

Alright, let's go.

Haller.

Paula Haller.

- Who is he?
- A very important man.

A gambler.

How come you know him?

I met him on the same bridge

a couple years ago.

He's very handsome.

Depends on where you're sittin'.

Always has.

I guess I better go see Fritzi.

- So long, Tom.
- So long.

- I'll knock your teeth in!
- Take it easy, Pat!

Hello, Tom.

- Desperate criminal?
- One of them railroad workers.

Blew his dough
and threw a rock in a window.

Mm, that's even more serious.

Destruction of public property.

Everything's public
in Chuckawalla, bud.

Everybody owns everything.

Oh, lay off, Tom,
this one's stubborn.

- Won't tell me his name.
- Shh!

Don't you tell him.

We're in this together, we won't
talk till I get us a lawyer.

Pat: I don't know why
I put up with you, Tom.

I don't know either.

The only way to handle
these tramps is to

kick 'em around till
they find out who's boss.

Sure, Pat,
I'll put him in the cooler.

Alright. Hear you're gonna break
a pony tomorrow.

- Gonna try.
- You're crazy.

That's me.
Oh, yes.

I knew I came in
to tell you something.

- Eddie Bendix's in town.
- Yeah?

He's stayin'
at the Halverson Ranch.

- Why?
- Didn't say.

Just thought I'd tell you.

Don't you worry about it, Pat.

You've got nothin' he wants.

Or have you?

- Oh, hello, Miss Paula.
- Hello, Rosa. How are you?

Your mother wants to see you.

- Tell her I'll be right down.
- She knows you're here.

Mike called her
from the Purple Sage.

Fritzi: Paula?
Paula, come in here.

She told me to tell you
the minute you came in.

Fritzi: Paula!

Paula, darling,
you were going upstairs

without even saying hello.

Hello, Fritzi. Hello, judge.

I had a long trip, I was tired.

I thought I'd freshen up.

You look good to me, baby.

Even when you're tired.

Doesn't she, judge?
Doesn't she look good?

She looks beautiful.

Sit down, baby.

Give me a kiss, honey.

With your permission, ladies,
I'll leave.

No, judge, I want you to stay.

What for?
To pass sentence?

Quick isn't she, judge?
Quick temper, quick decisions.

Family trait.

Now, judge, you know me
better than that.

I never make quick decisions.

I think about things
a long time.

- I just act quick.
- Alright, mother.

Let's have it.

It was Fritzi a minute ago.

An easy, friendly, Fritzi.

Now, it's mother.

When she knows she can't get
anything out of me

it's mother,
and it comes out hard as a rock.

Well, it seems to me
there's nothin' to be gained

in situations like these
by anybody

Iosin' their temper.
Now, my advice--

Will be exactly what Fritzi
tells you to say.

Well, there's truth in that.

You've just got a weak
character, judge.

Yes, Fritzi, you found
that out a long time ago.

Alright, this time, why?

- Same reason.
- This is the fifth school.

It wouldn't make any difference
if it were the fiftieth!

- Then it'll be fifty.
- No, it won't.

Why are you any different
than anybody else?

You mean his daughter?

She was born to go
to finishing school.

The little snob.

I just met her on the street
a while ago.

She was with your wife.

They both cut me dead.

I'll talk to her.

What'll you tell her, judge?

That there's really
no difference between us?

That you're one
of Fritzi's partners?

That you make your money
the same way Fritzi does?

Except you get paid off
in back alleys

so that you can
stay respectable?

Oh, don't talk like that.

- The judge--
-Judge!

Even the title's phony.

He's tryin' to be nice,
he said he'd talk to her.

He's been talking to her ever
since I was eight years old.

Well, you're not
eight years old anymore.

No.

I used to cry
when I was eight.

But you don't cry anymore.

No, I'm like you now, Fritzi.

I'm getting more
like you everyday.

Like mother like daughter.

- Two very charming--
- Oh, shut up!

Is it alright for me
to go upstairs now, mother?

Now, look, baby,
I don't wanna fight with you.

You know I don't wanna
fight with you.

Is it?

Yes, it is!

- Pour me a drink, Berle.
- Fritzi, my dear--

Pour me a drink.

Hello?

It's the sheriff.

Oh. You talk to him.

Certainly. Hello, Pat.

Fritzi doesn't feel too well.

She asked me to talk to you.

Yes.

Alright, Pat.

Pat told me to tell you
that Eddie Bendix's in town.

- Eddie Bendix?
- Yes.

Seems like he's taken a lease
on the Halverson ranch.

Looks as though
he'll be around for a while.

Eddie Bendix.

He's an old friend of yours,
isn't he, Fritzi?

You say that as though
you didn't know.

Did Pat say
why he'd come here?

He told me to ask you that.

Tell him I don't know, either.

- Goodbye, Berle.
- I'd like to explain to you--

Goodbye, Berle.

You haven't taken
your drink, Fritzi.

It'll keep.

Paula?

Yes, mother.

Come here, baby.

I'm glad you're home.
Really, I am.

Thanks, Fritzi,
thanks very much.

Tell me, baby.

Why did you leave this time?

The usual reasons.

"Where do you come from?
Who are your folks?

What do you they do?"

And you always tell 'em?

You don't want me to lie,
do you?

Why not?

I'm not ashamed of you.

- Do you want me to be?
- No.

Fritzi, I-- I'm so much
older than they are.

Oh, you just think you are.

They're just babies,
they don't know what they want.

- And you do?
- Yes.

- Mind telling me?
- I'm going to stay here.

And do what?

Work with you
at the Purple Sage.

Now, you listen to me.

You even go near
that place and I'll...

Here I go blowin' up again.

We'll talk about it
later, huh, baby?

We'll talk about it now.

Alright, if that's the way
you want it,

the answer is no.

That's not what I have
in mind for you.

What do you have in mind
for me, Fritzi?

What put the idea
into your head?

- You tell me, Fritzi.
- You tell me!

Alright,
because that's what you do.

I used to work in a silk mill,
in Patterson, New Jersey.

I used to make eight bucks
a week, you wouldn't like that.

I had one pair of shoes
and one dress.

My father was a drunk
and my mother didn't care.

For me, it was any way out,
but for you...

Fritzi, people come to you,
they do as you say.

And that's for you?

Yes, that's for me.

You are crazy, baby.

You'd come running to me
at the first sign of trouble.

- Try it and see.
- I don't have to.

I know.

Look, if something's
eating you, tell me,

I'll handle it
like I always do.

No, Fritzi, this is one time

you're not handling anything.

- Eddie?
- Yeah.

You gotta cut it out.

Gotta get it off your mind.

You know how?

She's probably in the back room.
You want me to find her?

There's no hurry. Let's see what
kind of a layout she has.

Place your bets.

No more bets.
Thirteen black...

Good evening, Mr. Bendix.

Man 1: Here we go.

- Get it down... comin' out.
- Come on, Kevin.

Seven and he missed it.

- Oh, hello, Mr. Bendix.
- Hi, Chuck.

Hello, Johnny.

- Change the dice.
- You're kidding.

- Aren't you, Mr. Bendix?
- Come on, give me the dice.

Man 1: Okay, everybody
down in time.

Next sh**ting, comin' out,
hands up, please.

Eight's the point,
the point is eight.

- Alright, folks...
Paula: Excuse me.

Uh, hold it, Mr. Bendix.

I'm sorry, Miss Paula.

It's good money.

Not at this table, it isn't.

You don't wanna get me fired,
do you?

Fritzi won't fire you, Chuck,
you've got too much on her.

I'm sorry,
those are her orders.

Here you are, Miss Haller.
sh**t for me.

- Why, thanks.
Man 1: Alright, comin' up.

Man 1: Six, six and eight.

A six and a two. She made it!

Let it ride.
Keep sh**ting, Miss Haller.

Man 1: Try your luck again.
Here we go.

Everybody down in time.
Comin' out.

Chuck: Eleven!
The dice are hot.

It rides again.
You bring me luck.

Man 1: Eleven,
that's in the field.

Pay the line. Just a minute till
Eleven pays off. Coming out.

- Everybody down in time.
- Coming out again.

Put the dice please.

Man 1: Comin' out, here we go.

Man 1: Six!
Chuck: Six is the point.

Chuck: The point is six.
Man 1: Hands up, please.

Man 1: Coming out again,
everybody in time.

And she made it,
the hard way.

- A lucky woman.
- Coming out again.

Coming out again,
everybody in time.

I didn't know you had
all that talent, Paula.

- I come by it naturally.
- Hello, Fritzi.

Hello, Eddie.

I told her how you felt, Fritzi.

- I asked her to sh**t for me.
- So I was told.

- Any objections?
- Same old Johnny.

It's a pretty big loss
for you to take.

- I can stand it.
- Gimme the dice, Chuck.

Man 1: Comin' out, okay,
everybody down in time.

Chuck: An ace and a deuce,
the man missed it.

You're pretty good,
aren't you, Mr. Bendix?

- I'm perfect, Chuck.
- You did that deliberately.

Don't be silly, only a sucker
would do a thing like that.

I'd like a drink
and a little talk with you.

You can have 'em both
in my office.

And I'll see you at home.

Nice looking place
you got here.

Why not?
I practically live here.

And, uh,
nice looking daughter.

And a nice looking daughter.

To what?

The good old days.

- What was good about 'em?
- Nothing.

That ain't true. The people
were good, they had guts.

- Like your old man.
- My old man.

You never got married again,
Fritzi?

- No, did you?
- No.

You did pretty good
on your own.

Not much. Small fry.

Miners, railroad workers,
broken-down cowboys.

- You're the one that did good.
- Yeah.

I did good.

A guy like you figured to.

I just wiped that
out of my eye.

That, uh, kid of yours...

- Your daughter.
- What about her?

She likes to gamble,
it's in her blood.

Yeah, like her old man.

Show her a pair of dice--

She doesn't look like you.

Thought you wanted to talk.

Reminds me of someone
I used to know.

I thought so too, at first,

then I got a better look--

Nobody's asking you.

Alright, now we talk.

I caught me a visit today
from the sheriff.

- Yeah?
- I didn't like it.

- Nobody likes sheriffs.
- Call him off.

- Me?
- Don't play straight with me.

- He's your boy. Call him off.
- Why?

Because I say so!

Or maybe for old time's sake.

Do I owe you anything
from the old days?

No, but I don't want
anybody bothering me.

Take it easy, Eddie,
maybe she--

Shut up!

What's the matter with you,
Eddie?

I don't like anybody conning me.

Alright, I sent him.

Oh, excuse me.

I thought you'd gone.

I said I'd see you at home.

I, I was waiting for you.

I, I want to go home with you.

- I'll be outside.
- It's alright.

I'm through.
Just one more thing.

Did you tell him to ask me
all those questions?

- What questions?
- About my wife.

The accident,
the way she died.

No, I didn't,
must've been his idea.

Eddie: Well, this is my idea,
don't ever do it again.

Eddie: Just don't.
- Eddie, you can't blame me.

You blow into town
the way you do.

I told that copper,
the young one,

that I came here to be alone.

The word's around that
you got squeezed out of Vegas.

Any time Eddie wants to go
to the post, he's back.

Fritzi: I don't know
how to figure.

I got a pretty good
set up here.

Maybe you ought to move in.

Maybe I want to go back
to pitching pennies, too.

And I want nothing
from you, Fritzi.

I don't want nothing
from nobody.

I just wanna be left alone.

The way you left me alone?

That's how he's been, Fritzi.
Ever since--

That's how I've been!

Do like I tell you, Fritzi.
Don't ask for trouble.

Sure she does.

Look at her now.

Like you talk to me, mother.

That's the way he talked to you.

"Do like I tell ya, Fritzi."

Go home!

Yes, mother.

- Hi, Hank.
- Hi, Paula.

- Watch it, boy.
- Whoa, there, whoa!

Be sure and cinch her
down there, Tom.

Come on, Tom.

I'm ready, fellas.

Ride him, Tommy!

Paula: Come on, Tom!

Stay with him, Tom.
Attaboy, Tom. Come on!

- You alright?
- I'm okay.

Who's gettin' broke, Tom,
you or the horse?

Three more tries
and the pony can ride me.

- Oh, yeah?
- Leave him alone.

Paula. Wait a minute.

There ain't one of you
drugstore cowboys

ever seen a day
you could ride with him.

I'm going over
to the bunk house.

No, leave him alone,
when something like this happens

he don't want nobody
around him, not even me.

- Is he really that good, Pat?
- Ain't he ever told you?

Tom doesn't talk
much about himself.

- Oh. He was the best.
- What happened to him?

Well, he was wrestling
a steer and slipped.

Now, he's all busted up inside.

He's not really thinking of
going back to the rodeo, is he?

All the time.

And I keep saying to him,
"Okay,

"so, you make a comeback,
you can never be

as good as you used to be."

And I say once a man's a champ,

second-best is no good.

He's probably over there with
the pain eatin' his insides out.

Best thing for a guy like Tom
is to get himself

a little ranch
like he's always talkin' about.

I think maybe you could
talk to him now.

Thanks, Pat.

- Feeling better?
- Yeah.

What are you thinking, Tom?

I'm thinkin' I just ain't got
what it takes anymore.

I think you have.

You're just saying that.
You don't know.

I know you.

Thanks.

Feel like ridin'?

- Do you think you should?
- Sure. Fast.

Me too.

Paula: Nice view from here.

Yeah, you can see Chuckawalla...

if you want to.

If you want to.

Still mad?

The ride worked it off
a little.

Me too.

Fritzi?

We had another fight last night.
She slapped me.

What'd you do? Slap her back?

Oh, shut up.

I'm shut up.

She really loves me, Tom.

She just doesn't understand me.

Me too.

You too, what?

Love you.

I know that.

I don't know what I want.

At least, not yet.

I think I know.

You're lookin' for what I used
to get when I rode in the rodeo.

The kick of havin' people say...

"That's a mighty special
person."

I'd like to get
that kick again.

Maybe I can get it with
just one person sayin' it.

A nice view from here.
You can see Chuckawalla.

Yeah. And the snow
on the mountains.

And smoke coming out
of the chimney.

That's the Bar Triangle Ranch.

I'd like to buy
that place someday.

- How far is it from here?
- Oh, about eight, ten miles.

It's just past Halverson's.

Halverson's.

That's where Eddie Bendix
is staying.

Tom: Yeah.
- I saw him again last night.

He came to the Purple Sage.

He's a strange man.

You're building it up.

Did you know his wife?

I only saw her
after she was dead.

I got there ten minutes
after it happened.

She went right through the
guard-rail. It was a gory mess.

- She...
- She what?

She was a beautiful woman.

I imagined she was.

Such a horrible accident.

Yeah, accident. That's what
it says in the record.

I never could quite
figure out why

Bendix was driving another car.

I think he's no good... for you.

- Now you're building it up.
Tom: Maybe.

- Let's go back.
- Sure.

Rosa.

Rosa!

- Is she home yet?
- No, ma'am.

Take that thing out of here.

I'll have one of the boys send
your car over from the ranch.

So long, Paula.

So long, Tom.

Alright, Fritzi. You win.

I was wrong. I shouldn't
have said what I did.

I don't wanna win that way.

I never slapped you even
when you were a little kid.

- Maybe you should have.
- Maybe.

I don't know, Paula. I can't
seem to get through to you.

I think
it's the other way round.

Maybe.

I don't suppose there's any use
in talking to you

about going back to school.

- No use.
- Alright.

We won't talk about it.

Who'd you go riding
with today?

Tom.

- Tom's a nice guy.
- I think so.

- Do you like him?
- I like him.

I have to go to Los Angeles
on business.

Might be a nice idea
if you went along.

Bought yourself
some new clothes.

- I don't need any.
- Oh.

A girl always
needs new clothes.

Go ahead. I can afford it.

You can afford anything,
can't you, Fritzi?

Fritzi: Almost anything.

We'll leave in the morning.
What do you say, baby?

We'll have fun.

If you promise to tell
the boys I'm your sister.

Too much
competition that way.

- Your older sister.
- Alright, it's a deal.

Run upstairs now
and get dressed.

And we'll have dinner together.

Get that horsey smell off you.

Use my perfume,
and plenty of it.

I can't keep you in a school
or out of the stables.

I like stables.

Hello, Pat. It's Fritzi.

Tell Tom Hanson to come
over to the Purple Sage tonight.

I wanna talk to him.

Right.

Yes?

- Hello, Fritzi.
- Hello, Tom. Sit down.

Pat said you wanted to see me.

- Would you like a drink?
- No, thanks.

Stop acting as though
you were gonna be ruined.

Now, if I were
ten years younger...

But since I'm not,
you can call me mother.

Okay, ma.

Tom Hanson...
you're twenty eight,

you come from Waco, Texas.

You were a ranch hand.

Then four years of barnstorming
around the country in rodeos.

The doctors say if you ride
again you'll be k*lled.

If it wasn't for Pat giving
you this job as deputy,

you'd be on your ear.

If you had the money
you'd buy a ranch,

but you're broke,
is that right?

I was vaccinated
when I was nine.

They left
that out of the report.

I've had a detective agency
on you. Do you mind?

Did they tell you
what happened the night

I got drunk in Cheyenne?

No, they didn't say
anything about that.

I hope the report
cost you plenty.

It did.

Anything you really want,
does.

- Meaning what?
- I found out you're honest.

And you've got guts.
I like that.

You're smart,
and you know the ropes.

When you say you wanna settle
here on a ranch, I believe you.

But I paid cash to be sure.

So far, it sounds
like a bad investment.

That's why I called you
up tonight.

To find out.

I suppose you wonder
why I keep sending Paula away.

I never thought about it.

She's 19. A woman.

She hasn't any friends
in this town except

my, uh, business associates.

It's not her fault.
I guess it's mine.

Anyway, I've got a problem
on my hands.

I wondered if you'd noticed.

How would you like
to marry Paula?

Now we're getting somewhere.

Is that why you put
the Pinkertons on me?

And I'll protect an investment
with more capital.

Tom, if you marry Paula,
you'll get your ranch.

A bigger one, better stocked

than any you could
buy yourself

if you worked
until you were 90.

And how about Paula?

Oh, she likes cattle
and horses.

That's one reason
I picked you.

What about the other reasons?

Alright.

We've been here ten years.

The town has never
accepted us.

Not that I care. I wouldn't
mix with them, anyway.

But they have accepted you.
You're one of them.

And if she marries you,
eventually they'll accept Paula.

Fritzi: She'll get her friends.
- I see.

Any more?

One thing more.

I've seen you with her.

You are in love
with her already.

That about wraps it up...
doesn't it?

- For me it does.
- Where is Paula now?

- Home. Why?
- I'd like to talk to her.

Okay...

You can drop me off
while you're at it.

Paula. Are you awake?

Paula: Yes.

Come on down. Tom's with me.

He wants to talk to you.

Be right down.

I think I'll go on up to bed.
I'm tired.

I want you to stay.

Me? Why?

What is it?

Fritzi and I are cookin' up
a deal.

- It concerns you.
- Tom!

Paula, how would you
like to marry me?

Fritzi just offered me a ranch.
A big one, if I'd marry you.

I'd like to know
what my chances are.

- Paula, I...
- What do you say?

Thanks a lot, Tom, but...

I don't think I'll be
around here long enough

to take you up on that.

Some other time, maybe.

Paula!

Now what made you do
a fool thing like that?

If I want a ranch,
I'll get one.

If I wanna marry your daughter,
that's my business.

You deliberately
set her against me.

You're always
pushing her around.

One of these days,
you're gonna push her right out

of your life, when it comes,
it won't be pretty.

She needs me. I couldn't
push her off if I wanted to.

That's why she came home.
She'll never leave me.

Cut that light!

What are you doin'
out here alone at night?

- What are you doing?
- Go on, beat it.

You heard me tell you
to beat it.

- Yes.
- What do you want from me?

Nothing.

It's nice to meet somebody
that doesn't want anything.

This is where it happened,
isn't it?

- Where what happened?
- The accident.

- I know all about it.
- Who told you?

Tom. I asked him.

Why?

I just wanted to know.

Why didn't you beat it
when I told you to?

Because I wanted
to know you better.

You don't pull your punches,
do you?

I've heard
you don't pull yours.

You're alright.

Funny kid, but you're alright.

Thanks.
Can I drop you off anywhere?

Well, it'd be a big help.

Take me as far as
the Halverson Ranch.

Alright.

That cop you were with today,

what did he tell you
when you asked who I was?

Nothing.

Look, I know cops.
What did he say?

He told me not
to get interested.

You're not paying much attention
to him, are you?

No.

You know what
you're getting into?

Because unless you get out
of here right now,

you're going to find out.

- That you, Eddie?
- Get out of that light!

I could pick you off
like a clay pigeon.

Where you been?
I didn't hear you go out.

Oh, I didn't know.
I thought--

Get in the house, Johnny.

Get out of here.
Leave him alone!

Get in the house!

He's right.
Maybe you better go.

Maybe you better not come back.

Why not?

Because I'm not the kind
of guy for you.

You'll get your brains
knocked out, kid.

You're gonna wish
you'd never seen me.

You'll remember what I said.

I'll remember.

She carried the bags
down to the car

and when I saw
she was really going

I asked her if there was
anything I could tell you

but she wouldn't answer.

She just got into the car
and went.

- Alright, Rosa. She'll be back.
- Yes, ma'am.

- Back so soon?
- Yes, mother.

Couldn't leave,
could you, darling?

No, mother.

"Yes, mother. No, mother."

What is it, baby?

What is it? Is it the way
I spoke to you before?

- I'm sorry.
- No, it's...

I-- I don't know, Fritzi...

What?

I can't explain it, I-- I just
started to cry, that's all.

Must've been the storm.

Even when you were a kid,
you were afraid of storms.

I used to have
to sleep with you.

You alright now?

Yes, I'm alright.

- If you want to, I'll--
- No. I'm alright.

Sure, we'll go
to Los Angeles tomorrow

and do some shopping,
see a show...

I don't think I want to.

Do you have to go?

- Yes, don't you want me to?
- No.

I mean... I don't know
what I need.

The storm's almost over.
You'll be able to sleep now.

Goodnight, baby.

Goodnight, Fritzi.

You want some more coffee,
Eddie?

I'll get it for you.

It's nice out here.

I must be getting old,
sitting in the sun.

That's what you're supposed
to do.

Rest, sun...

First thing you know,
you'll be ready for anything.

Down to LA,
pick up the boys...

You must get fed up
playing nursemaid to me.

We've been together
a long time.

Hi!

- Hello, kid.
- Hello.

How about some coffee?

Bring three cups with you,
Johnny.

- You remember Johnny?
- Yes, I remember him.

I'm supposed to apologize
to you for talking to you

the way I did last night.

How do you want it?

You've got a funny way
of apologizing.

Johnny: I'm workin' up
to it gradually.

Just go get the coffee.

Excuse me.

My manners stink!

- Get home alright?
- Yes, I got home alright.

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

- What about you?
- What do you mean?

How do you live?
What do you do?

- Oh, nothing much.
- Do you like it out here?

I'm used to it,
my mother brought me here

when I was a kid,
we come from New Jersey.

My father was a bootlegger.
He was k*lled.

- I don't remember him.
- I do.

- You knew him?
- Yeah.

We were in the same racket.

- Did you know Fritzi?
- A long time ago.

She ran a speak after...

After your old man got it.

Tell me,
what was Fritzi like then?

I didn't know her very well.

You two don't get along
together, do you?

Okay, skip it.
It's none of my business.

But it is your business.

Don't make that mistake, kid.

I didn't mean it that way,
I wasn't trying to commit you.

Don't.
It won't do you any good.

I didn't come here
to do myself any good

or to be told off either.

Nobody's telling you off.

And nobody's going to.

I don't think I like your

brand of hospitality, Mr. Bendix.

Now, wait a minute--

You can push Johnny
around if he likes it,

but I don't like it,
not from you or anybody.

Take it easy. Don't go.

I came here without being asked,
I can leave the same way.

- Hello, child bride.
- Hello, Tom.

- Sore at me?
- Of course not.

You did the only thing
you could.

I'm not so sure.
I always wanted a ranch.

Only I don't know
about your cooking.

Soda?

Yes, please.

Maybe I should've
taken the offer anyway.

Why?

What were you doing out at the
Halverson Ranch the other night?

I was minding my own business.

I was too.

Cruising the highway out
by the State Bridge.

About the time you came out
of the private road

and headed for town.

Don't go out there again.

Now, wait a minute, Tom.

I mean what I say, Paula.

When you tangle
with someone like Bendix,

you just don't pick up your
jacks afterwards and go home.

I'm telling you
to stay away from there.

And what's it got to do
with you?

Or have you changed your mind
about wanting the ranch?

After a crack like that,

I ought to let you jump in
over your head.

But first, I'm gonna tell
you something you should know.

I can't stop you.

So what?

They brought her body
down to us at the County Seat.

I saw it
and I have a good memory.

- Somebody you knew?
- No, she was nobody.

But when I saw you
for the first time,

I remembered all over again.

And I tried to tell it to you
on the ridge...

You look like her, Paula.

- I look...
- Too much like her.

I see.

Uh, thanks, Tom.
Thanks for a very good turn.

The drink's on me.

- Hello, Paula.
- Hello, Eddie.

I've been waiting for you
to come back.

- Eddie?
- Yeah.

I know something now
that I didn't know before.

I know something, too.
I've missed you.

I was surprised how much.
Get in.

After the way you and Johnny
treated me,

I don't think I should.

Alright, I found out
I was wrong. I'm sorry.

Now, get in the car.

I don't think she wants to, bud.

I don't think
it's any of your business.

You know it's a funny thing.

You keep wishing
for something to happen

and then it falls
right in you lap.

- Like what?
- Like bustin' you in the nose.

- Blow!
- Get out of that car!

- Listen, copper--
- Eddie... hold it.

Why don't you ask the girl?

- You wanna go with him, Paula?
- Yes.

I'll go fix a fence.

I know why you acted
the way you did the other day.

Why you brushed me off.

- Yeah?
- I look like her, don't I?

A lot like her.

I don't like smart dames.

Maybe you better not stay
very long this time either.

Alright, if you say so.

You can't say so, can you?

Come on in.
I'll show you the house.

- Who does your house work?
-Johnny.

Oh. Johnny.

A little messy, isn't it?

It's a nice day.
You ought to let it in.

I like sunlight in its place,
outside.

Guess you're right.
It is kinda messy.

Johnny's a little behind
with the dishes.

Yeah.

Quiet sleeper, aren't you?

You've got sharp eyes.

Yeah, I sleep quiet,
I curl up like a kitten.

You might help.

Okay.

- Those are loaders.
- I know it.

I was afraid you were gonna
throw them in the fireplace.

You carry a g*n?

The carpet sweeper's
in the kitchen closet

if you want it.

- I'm sorry.
- It's alright.

You're a strange combination.

You can recognize
an automatic clip

and you play house
like you mean it.

Kinda nice emptying
those ashtrays.

Funny about women...

they never really creep up
on you until you

get 'em in your house
where you can watch 'em tick.

You shouldn't do that, kid.

First thing you know,
I'll be out of a job.

Don't worry about it, Johnny,

I'll see that you get
your pension.

Come on, Paula. Let's go outside
where the air is fresh.

This is what I like, Eddie...

to be alone on the desert...

with the sagebrush
and the sky.

Nobody looks down on you here.

Yeah.

It's nice.

You don't like it
the way I do.

I can tell by the look
on your face, like...

You're thinking
about something else.

What have you been thinking
about, Eddie?

Tenement houses
and back alleys.

Eddie, what were you
before I met you?

Tough guy.

No, I mean a long time ago
before Johnny even met you.

Oh, a kid, like you.

Where'd you live
when you were a kid?

- Brooklyn, Ninth Ward.
- What were you like?

Oh, I don't know.
Like any other kid.

No...

When did you meet Johnny?

Bendix: I was your age.
Maybe a year older.

It was in the Automat,
off Times Square

about 2 o'clock
in the morning, on a Saturday.

I was broke,
he had a couple of dollars.

We got to talking.

He ended up paying
for my ham and eggs.

And then?

Eddie: I went home with him
that night.

I was locked out,
didn't have a place to stay.

His old lady ran
a boarding house in the Bronx,

there were a couple
of vacant rooms.

We were together from then on.

How did you...

How did I get into the racket?

What difference does it make?

Through Johnny.

New York, Nevada...

We've been together
a long time.

Long, long time.

Where did you meet her?

- New York or Nevada?
- Angela?

I met her in Las Vegas.
What's it to you?

- Nothing.
- What do you wanna know?

- Whether I was happy with her?
- Yes.

The way you keep talking
about her,

you'd think she was still alive.

I'm sorry.

There's too much pushing
in my life as it is.

- I wasn't.
- It's alright.

I didn't mean you this time.

Johnny: Eddie!

- Comin' in to eat?
- Yeah, set the table for three.

Johnny: Three?
- Sure, you still live here.

I wasn't sure.

He doesn't like me.

It's not his business
to like you

and it's not his business
to pick my friends.

Come on, let's go in.

Paula? Paula?

Remember me?
I'm your old lady.

Hello, Fritzi.
When did you get back?

Late last night.
I figured you'd be asleep.

Yes, I was asleep.

Well, you don't seem very glad
to see me.

Oh, I-- I'm just surprised,
I...

I didn't expect you back
until tomorrow.

You look good, baby.

Nice and fresh and alive.

I like to see you dressed up.
Where are you going?

Going? Oh, I don't know...
For a drive.

I might go down to Vegas
for the day.

- Don't you want some breakfast?
- I'm not hungry.

Well, don't go. I haven't
seen you for days. Sit down.

Tell me
where you been keepin' yourself?

What you've been doing?

- Hello?
- Goodbye, Fritzi.

Uh-- uh, just a minute.

Paula?

Hello? Yes, Mike.

Well, I'll be down
in a little while.

It'll keep till then.

- How does it come out?
- I don't know.

I'll look on the last page.

It has a happy ending.

It always has. They fall
in love, they get married.

This one ends
when they fall in love.

- Yeah.
- That's what it says.

- Read it.
- Alright.

"There was no need for words.

"Her eyes told him
what he wanted to know, that...

"she was in love with him.

He took her in his arms."

Eddie: Alright, close the door.

Pretty bad out there tonight.

Going to bed?

Yeah.

Aren't you afraid
the road might wash out on you?

The storm's easing off, I don't
think we'll have a flood.

- It's still raining.
- Not in the mountains.

That's where
the real water comes from.

Couple of feet of water
in the river bed.

What's the matter, Johnny?
Afraid you're gonna drown?

If the road washes out,
she won't get home tonight.

- She can stay here.
- Sure she can.

Johnny: By sunrise,
every cop on the desert

will be pounding the door down.

- You talk too much.
- I don't talk enough!

You think I'm gonna
let you lose your head over--

The chances are better
of you losing yours!

Where do you think you're going?

- Home.
- Take off your coat.

Johnny's right,
if there's a wash--

Johnny's not giving orders
around here.

Alright, Eddie. I wasn't
trying to give any orders.

I only wanna keep you
out of trouble.

Take off your coat.

Johnny: You heard
what Eddie said.

He wants you to stick around.

- You're not like her at all.
- Does it matter?

Something went wrong
somewhere, kid.

Wrong?

I'm not so sure
I can get along without you.

Have I broken a law?

Nothing the Vehicle Code covers.

Why did you stop me?
This part of your job?

I get around.

I told you that day in front

of the drug store, Paula.

I wasn't listening.

- What're you gonna do about it?
- You tell me.

You can always tell Fritzi.

I always thought the best way
to gentle a colt

was to put a long rope on him.

But I'm beginning
to have my doubts.

I think I've given you
all the rope I'm going to.

- You're going to?
Tom: Me!

You're getting
to be just like Fritzi.

You ought to get together
with her.

Tom: Maybe I will.

Then you can both try
to run my life.

Can you run it, Paula?
Do you know what you're doing?

Yes! I know what I'm doing.

- But why?
- Because that's the way I feel.

But a guy like Bendix,
a cheap racketeer...

He's no different than Fritzi.

Except he's smarter at it
and bigger and stronger.

Tom: And that's important?

To me, it is.

Well, I guess that's it then.

Is Fritzi down at the Sage?

Yeah, she thinks
I went to Vegas.

You better get home, the road's
bad further down.

- If you follow me I'll--
- Thanks.

I can make it home alright.
I know my way.

- So long, Tom.
- So long.

Come in.

The wages of sin...

Are very high.

But you wouldn't know.
How are you tonight, sucker?

Wet and thirsty.

- Do you drink--
- And smoke.

But you don't go with girls.

I don't like getting paid
for it.

I like to keep
my amateur standing.

Remind me to give you
a hair-shirt for Christmas.

It's against regulations.

What did you come see me about?

I'm trying to figure
that out myself.

Should I tell you?

sh**t.

You've thought it over.

And you'd like me to make
the offer again

but you haven't the nerve
to say it.

You're no different than
any of the others in this town.

You want your share but you want
it tied in a pink ribbon.

- That's why I came here, huh?
- Yes.

- Could be.
- Alright, then why did you?

I just stopped in to get warm.

You're the sucker, Fritzi.

Fritzi: Tom.

What did you come here for?

Whatever it was,
I'll take care of it myself.

Hello, Johnny.

Eddie up yet?

No, he's still asleep.

Mind if I sit here and watch?

Alright with me.

-Johnny?
- Yeah.

What do you want out of life?

Well, everybody wants something.

Money, love, travel,
their own business...

What do you want?

Why do you wanna know?

Oh, I-- I'm just curious.

You're always with Eddie, you,

you always seem to have
been with him.

But there must be some of you
apart from him.

What do you want for yourself?

Why would there be some of me
apart from Eddie?

Two people can't fit
in one life.

You seem to think so.

What if he retires or,
or if he marries?

He won't retire
and he won't marry.

- He married once.
- It didn't turn out so good.

Did you know her? Angela?

Yeah.

I lived with them too.

I knew Eddie Bendix a long time
before he met Angela

and I'll know him
a long time afterward.

And I'll know him a long time
after he leaves here.

Eddie Bendix is wasting his time
in a cactus graveyard.

He wants to be here.

Some guys don't know
what they want.

They go a little nuts for
a while. But they get over it.

Sometimes they don't.

I wouldn't count on that.

Someday, he'll leave you.
You know it.

He won't leave me.

I come in too handy.

- What do you mean?
Why don't you ask him?

-Johnny.
Yeah?

- Johnny, let's be friends.
- Are you kidding?

Eddie: Hey, you two.

What's goin' on?

- Just talkin'.
- About what?

- You.
- Go and get breakfast.

Alright, Eddie.

What's the matter, kid?

Johnny said you'd be
leaving the desert soon.

- The two of you.
The squeeze play, huh?

- He's pretty good at that.
Are you?

I haven't thought about it.

He's trying to break it up
between us. He hates me.

Forget it.

Eddie...

If you love me,
get rid of him.

You can certainly throw it
on the line, can't you?

I didn't draw the line
in the first place. He did.

Eddie, I want you.
I'm in love with you.

Maybe Johnny
doesn't belong here.

And you?

I'm beginning
to like the desert.

I'm beginning
to like everything about it.

When are we quitting
the desert, Eddie?

What's on your mind?

Well, we don't go back
pretty soon,

we'll have trouble getting in to
the swing of things.

Your name still means something,
but...

if you drop out
after a bad break...

Go on.

You and me.

We know you weren't scared off.

A bad deal like you got
might happen to anybody.

Some of the boys might get
restless waiting around in LA.

They might start
thinking things like, uh...

Maybe you're nervous
about getting started again.

Like you say, you and me,
we know that isn't true.

Sure.

I only mention it to remind you

how careful we've gotta be
of your reputation.

We've been building it up
for 15 years.

We don't want to throw it
all away now.

Couple of years, we can have
the biggest gambling racket

in the country.

You've got everything
to do it with.

Looks, personality, contacts.

It's out, Johnny.

All of it's out.
I'm quitting.

- You mean you're kidding?
No. Quitting!

I wanna stay here
in the desert.

You're afraid to go back,
Eddie, aren't you?

You don't really think so,
do you, Johnny?

- And me?
You'll be taken care of.

What are you gonna do?
Give me a gold watch?

Watch is a nice touch.
I hadn't thought of it.

- Now, listen--
- I'll give you your cut.

You can leave whenever you like.

Alright, Eddie.
Any way you want it.

Only I won't leave either.
I'll stay out here with you.

No dice, Johnny.
I want you to go.

Chuckawalla, two, three.

I thought you'd gone.

Going down to the Sage?

Nope.

A-- aren't you feeling well?

I feel fine.

I think I'll take a run
down to the village.

I don't think you will.

You know how to pick 'em,
don't you?

Don't you? Answer me!

Yes, Fritzi.
I know how to pick them.

Well, is that all
you have to say?

What is there for me to say?

Yes, it's true. I don't know how
you found out, but it's true.

Why?

I don't know why
I'm in love with him.

You can't be in love with him.

You don't know anything
about love.

I don't know anything
about anything according to you.

- If you did...
- If I did?

He's no good!

Do you have any idea
what I went through

in order to bring you up?

- You've told me.
No, I didn't.

Do you think I like living here?

Do you think I like Pat and
the judge and drunken miners?

After your father died,
and I found out I had something

the matter with my lungs,
I didn't wanna live.

But I did.

Only because of you.

Because I wanted to give you
something I never had.

And it wasn't Eddie Bendix.

Fritzi, these things happen.

They also stop.

Listen to me, Paula.

You're never gonna see
Eddie Bendix again.

If you have any ideas about
going out of that door...

You better know
I'll pick up the phone

and call the sheriff's office.

And I'll swear out
a warrant for Bendix's arrest.

On what charge?

Don't you worry your head
about that.

Pat will do exactly as
I tell him and so will you.

Fritzi, he expects me.
He's waiting for me.

He'll wait a long time.

- He'll come here looking for--
- I hope he does.

Fritzi, let me telephone him.

You just can't let him wait,
not knowing.

He'll know.

And when he does,
he'll blow out of town so fast--

No, he won't.

I say he will.

And I say you're not to see him
or telephone him

or get in touch with him
in any way whatsoever.

I'd rather see you dead first.

I believe you would at that.

You needn't swear out a warrant.
I'm going up to my room.

And you'll stay in your room
till he blows out of town.

Fritzi: Couple of days now.

Pat: You can't keep her
locked up forever.

Fritzi: He'll scram when
he finds out we mean business.

Pat: I wouldn't be
too sure of that

because I tell you...

Hello.

Hello, this is Paula.

Eddie?

Is that you, Eddie?

Is it you, Johnny?

Let me speak to Eddie, please.

This is Paula.
I can't speak long.

Can you hear me?

- Get out of here.
- Johnny, let me come in.

- I've got to talk to Eddie.
- He doesn't wanna see you.

Now get away from here
or I'll k*ll you.

So help me, I'll k*ll you
where you stand.

Didn't I hear a car?

Yeah. Wrong house.

Was it?

I was asleep.

- Did she call?
- No.

I've been in the house
all the time.

Ugh, I've got an awful head.

- You've been drinking too much.
- Yeah.

- She must have called.
- Listen, Eddie.

Listen to me.
Quit thinkin' about her.

You're makin' a fool
out of yourself.

You got a job to do in Vegas.
A big job.

Smart thing to do
is to go back there now.

That's the important thing.

You sure
that's what I oughta do?

- Yes, I'm sure.
- Well, I'm not doin' it.

I'm goin' into town and find out
what that kid's pulling.

- Are you crazy?
- Maybe.

But nobody can make a sucker
out of me.

Eddie, forget it.
Let it go!

Eddie, you can't go in to town.

Fritzi runs
this part of the country.

She'll have the sheriff on you.

Go on.

You're not giving it
to me straight.

What are you talkin' about?

What did you do to make
Paula stay away?

Eddie, you're way off base.

I'll find out in town.

Johnny: Eddie, don't do it!

- How did this get here?
- I don't know.

The woman who was here
askin' for the wrong house.

- She must have dropped it.
- This is Paula's glove.

The world is full of
pigskin gloves.

Not with her initials.
Why did she leave here?

- Look, Eddie...
- Why did she leave?

- I tell you...
- Tell me?

I was only trying...

- Well?
- Hello, Mr. Bendix.

You got your mind set
on trouble, haven't you?

Look, I'm in hurry. Just give me
a ticket and I'll be on my way.

- Get out.
- I said I'd take the ticket.

What else do you want? My
autograph or just a little cash?

- Get out.
- Wait a minute.

You're getting out of line.

I know you're anxious
to be on your way,

and I'm sorry
to have to do this.

You ought to have a little more
respect for the law, bud.

You don't think nothin'
of hurtin' my feelings.

You'd better come along with me
and talk this over.

- Soberin' up?
- What's that?

When I tell a drunk
to get out of a car,

I expect him to get out.

Tom: No monkey business.
- Who's drunk?

You are. Go ahead. Walk.

Show me how sober you are.

Look, I gotta get outta here.

I don't know what you want,
but if it's money,

I'll give it to you.

That sounded like a bribe.

- What do you want?
Tom: Nothin'.

I just like to meet big shots.

You're burned about Paula.

- You're taking it out on me.
- Shut up!

- You're a chump.
- I said shut up!

Why don't you throw her
in the clink, too?

That's one way
of holding on to her.

I don't need too much
of an excuse.

Well, you better do it quick,

because I'm on my way over
to her house.

- I'm taking her outta here.
- Yeah?

- Tonight.
- And she'll go with you?

- You're sure of that?
- I'm sure.

Yes, I guess she will.

Bendix, listen to me
and listen good.

This one is not going to wind up
like the other one.

I don't know
what you're talkin' about.

I saw your face that night,

and I remember good, too.

You got away with that one,

because nobody could
prove anything.

And you could fix things,
but this time out,

because no matter where you are,

I'll know and I'll get you.

- Lecture over, copper?
- No.

So you'll remember.

I'll remember.

So you went out there anyway.

- In spite of what I told you.
- Yes.

Go inside.

You shouldn't have done that,
Paula. Taken my car.

Sit down.

Were you out there
all this time?

No, I left about an hour ago.

Where were you then?

Just driving around.

I suppose you know
what this means.

I won't see him again.
I'll promise if you like.

He won't get away
with it, either.

Pat's gonna pick him up
in the morning.

Leave him alone.
I'll do whatever you tell me.

Who's that?

It's Bendix.

What happened to you?

- You got a deputy named Hanson?
- Yeah.

If he were smart,
he wouldn't be a deputy no more.

- If you broke the law...
- You're slow on the take.

Get rid of him! I want him
without a badge when I'm ready.

And I want you to get out
of my house.

Sure. Quick.

Get your coat.
We're gonna get married.

- Eddie.
- Yes or no?

I'll get my coat.

Arrest him, Pat. Arrest him now.

I gotta have a warrant.
Uh, law is the law.

Well, book him on suspicion.

You told me
you could reopen the case

on the death of his wife.

- New evidence.
- I never said no such thing.

Don't you know when to give up?

- No.
- The man's no chump.

- He knows who Eddie Bendix is.
- I can't, Fritzi.

You've done a lot of things
you can't.

You'll do one more now.

- I'm ready.
- Paula.

- It's no use, Fritzi.
- Paula, baby.

I'm not a child anymore.
I know what I want.

Listen to me.
He's not for you.

- He's just a cheap crook.
- Come on, kid.

A cheap crook.

Look, I'm trying to be nice.
I'm in the family.

- Well, pick your own kind.
- Who, you?

- Eddie!
- She asked for it.

I asked for it.

But it's true, Fritzi.
You are his kind.

So am I,
because I'm your daughter.

I'm not a simple
little schoolgirl anymore.

Paula, baby, you don't know
what it will be like.

How could you know
what it's like

the way I feel
when I'm with him?

I know more about it
than you think.

Alright, now I'll ask nice.

- Leave her alone.
- I can't.

- Anything you want.
- She's what I want.

Look, Fritzi, I'll see
if I can make you understand.

A guy is alone.
All his life he's alone.

All his life he keeps looking
not to be alone.

- Let's go.
- Eddie!

Eddie, I-- I-- I wanna talk
to you alone.

Whatever you've got to say,
say in front of me.

Listen, Paula, I knew him
when he just started out.

He and I...

Yes, Fritzi...

He used to work for your father.

That was when he first started
out to double-cross the world.

How well did you know him,
Fritzi?

You think he's big-timer,
don't you?

Fritzi: Well, he's not.
- How well did you know him?

Well enough to know that
he's not good enough for you.

Go ahead, Fritzi, tell her.

You don't think
I have nerve enough to, do you?

I don't think it'll make
any difference. Come on, Paula.

No, wait a minute.

I want to hear
about you and Eddie.

Alright.

He wanted me
the way he wants you now.

Yes, he promised
to marry me, too.

Well, now you know.
That oughta be enough.

No, no, it's not enough.
Not for me, it isn't.

Tell her the rest. Tell her
how I walked out on you.

Sure, I'll tell her.

He found out
I had to come out here.

To the desert.

That meant money and doctors.

A lot of years maybe.

So he ran out on me.

Just the way
he'll run out on you

the minute he doesn't
need you anymore.

That's her story.

The way he's run out
on everything in his life.

For the same reason.

You don't believe me, do you?

You don't believe
a word I've said.

No, I don't.

I don't believe
you'd stop at anything

to keep me
from going away with him.

You want me
to tell you why, Fritzi?

No.

Now, get out of here.
Both of you.

Fritzi, I...

She's gone.

Nineteen years...

I would have done it
for you, Fritzi,

if I could.

Nineteen years...

like that.

- Where are we going?
Eddie: Vegas.

We're coming back here
afterwards.

I hope I never see
the place again.

What made you change your mind?

- Tom?
- Be quiet.

Oh, Eddie,
I didn't mean it that way.

I know what you meant.
Don't ever say that again.

Don't talk to me like that,
Eddie.

I'm going to be your wife.

Fight the rest of the world
if you have to, but not me.

I'm sorry, kid.
I'm a little jumpy.

Well, that's alright, Eddie.

What about you and him?

- Who?
- The copper, Tom.

- I'm here with you, Eddie.
- That don't mean nothin'.

Who have you got in your head?
What are you thinkin' about?

You're thinkin',
maybe you made a mistake?

No, I'm not thinking that.

Well, nobody walks out on me.

Eddie, look out!

Eddie, take me with you.

Get away
or I'll chop your hands off.

You can't leave me
stranded out here in the desert?

- Go on. Beat it.
- At least take me to Vegas.

I'll go nuts out here.

Eddie, take him
to where he can catch a train.

Let's not leave
any loose ends behind.

Yeah, he'd probably set fire
to the ranch

and stick me for the bill.
Hop in, loose end.

I got a bag
in the side of the road.

Well, get it!

I hope you never get
finished with me.

- No?
- No.

I'd hate to be left alone
on a desert road at night.

It won't hurt you
to keep it in mind.

You may as well earn your ride.
Drive.

Here. Give me one.

You're out. Stop
at the next place you come to.

I'll be right out.

So you won the grand prize, eh?

Have I, Johnny?

So you're really
going through with it.

You're gonna marry him.

He won't quit, you know that.

I know.
He told me he was going back.

Nobody listens.

He's angry because he was
beaten up by Tom Hanson.

Yeah?

See what happens
when I'm not around.

- He'll get over it.
- You wanna bet?

Ah, here they are.

Don't often get a call
for that brand,

but I knew I had one somewhere.

What's wrong?

Johnny say something?

A cup of coffee, please.

Yeah, I'm kinda hungry, too.

Look, we'll be here all night.

Alright, we'll take
a couple of hamburgers.

In the back. Come on.

What's the matter, bud?
Ain't we good enough for you?

Hey. Ain't we your type?

I said,
ain't we quite your type?

No, you ain't.

I don't like the way
you said...

- Sit down and shut up.
- Just kiddin'.

Oh.

Man 2: Alright, folks.
All aboard.

That was a cruel thing to do.

Nobody asked him
to sh**t off his big mouth.

Supposing
Johnny didn't have a g*n?

Oh, Eddie's always got an ace.
A g*n. Me.

He's got quite a technique
for coolin' off wise guys.

Reminds me of the time
the 21 dealer tried to spring

a crooked deck on Angela.
Remember, Eddie?

About a week later,
his widow

got a couple of thousand bucks.
Special delivery.

Did he have any kids, Eddie?
I forget.

- What are you trying to pull?
- Nothin'.

- It's true, ain't it?
- Get out of here.

- Get out of here!
- No, I want him to stay.

- Why?
- I want him to tell me.

- Tell you what?
- About you.

The way I am, that's
the way you'll take me.

Eddie: This is the end
of the line for you, Johnny.

The rest of the way we go alone.

No, Eddie, you've done enough

walkin' out on me for one night.
It's gettin' monotonous.

I've been tied up with you
too long to go on alone.

- Then knock yourself off.
- I don't have to.

What do you mean?

You're safe as long as I care

what happens to me.

But I don't care anymore.

You either take me
with you, or...

- Or what?
- I'll sing.

- About what?
- About Angela.

I'll tell 'em
what really happened.

- You cheap double-crossin'--
- Sit down, Eddie.

Sit down, I said.

And you.

I'm gonna tell you a few things
about Eddie Bendix.

- Eddie Bendix and me.
- Listen, Paula.

Whatever he says,
he's saying because

he's sore
I'm walking out on him.

- Go on, Johnny.
- I won't tell you again.

You forget, Eddie.

Eddie, here is a real smart guy.

Good lookin'. Got class.

There's only one thing

he ain't ever been
able to pay the piper.

That's where I come in.
I paid for him.

Fritzi said something like that.

Johnny: We were gonna be
big-shots together.

I planned it that way
for 15 years.

- You got your end.
Johnny: More than my end.

I also took the rap.

Any time there was a rap
to take, I took it.

- One year on that Federal job.
- We agreed.

Sure, we agreed,
you'd have gone all to pieces

and told them everything
they wanted to know.

Wash yourself up for good
with the boys in Nevada.

- Paula, listen to me.
- I'm listening to him.

And then there were
the Rocco boys.

Remember, Eddie?

I got in the car
and drove off fast,

pretending I was you.

And you went out the back way.

Then there was the gamblin' ship

in the Mexican Gulf.

Well, I almost made it

until you came along.

Johnny: I'll bet you think
he's loaded, don't you?

I did think so.

Guys like Eddie don't
fall in love.

They're in love
with their own hide.

He only wanted you
because he wanted to get out

of doin' what I told him
he had to do.

He couldn't quit alone.
He couldn't do anything alone.

Angela found that out.

She was just a dumb hoofer
in the dime circuit.

Thought she was going
into the big time.

She wasn't married a couple
of months before she found out,

like you're finding out now.

She wasn't as lucky as you are.

- Lucky?
- Johnny: Sure.

She couldn't quit,
She found out too much.

Names, dates, places, people.

The kind of a guy
Eddie really is.

The work I was doin' for him.
The rough stuff.

Johnny the strong-arm boy.

With the loose mouth.
You were the one who told her.

You told me I could trust her.

She was your wife, wasn't she?

Just like I trust this kid here,
or shouldn't I?

I don't think
I wanna hear any more.

You'll listen
until I'm finished.

Angela was just a nice,
normal dame.

She couldn't take it any more
than you take it now.

Stuck in her throat.

So, she got in her car
and started for Los Angeles.

she knew too much for us
to let her.

We got in the big car
and started after her.

On the bridge outside of
Chuckawalla we caught up to her.

It was your fault.
You made me do it.

Sure, I made you do everything.

You couldn't even tie
your own shoelaces.

I'll draw you a picture.

When we caught up to her,
she wouldn't stop.

Eddie went all to pieces.
He wanted to let her go.

I told him to make her stop,
to force her off the road.

He lost his nerve.
So then I really told him.

I said, "Turn that wheel!"

And then?

He turned it.

I didn't k*ll her.
I was only trying to stop her.

It was his idea.
You heard him say it.

- I heard him.
- I didn't k*ll her.

- It wasn't me. No. He did it.
- Yes, it was.

But, you stayed with him anyway.

- I had to.
- Nobody has to do anything.

- You don't understand.
- It's you who doesn't.

You don't even see it,
that's why it's so horrible.

This is it for me, Eddie.
This is where I get off.

- No, it isn't.
- It's no good.

- It never happened.
- Yes, it did happen.

No, I never really saw you
before as you really are.

Yeah, it's funny, ain't it?

People think they're seeing
Eddie, and all these years

they've been really seein' me.

I'm Eddie Bendix.

Why is it women
never fall in love with me?

Stay here.

I should have figured this.

That's what's been eating you
all these years.

Johnny: By the time
she knew enough to get out,

she knew too much for us
to let her.

We got in the big car
and started after her.

Eddie had never been
able to pay the piper.

I've always paid for him.

Angela was just a nice,
normal dame.

She couldn't take it anymore
than you can take it now.

She couldn't quit.
She found out too much...

names, dates, places, people.

Guys like Eddie
don't fall in love.

They're in love
with their own hide.

You told me
I could trust her.

She was your wife, wasn't she?

Just like I trust
this kid here...

or shouldn't I?

Johnny:
Eddie went all to pieces.

Lost his nerve.

Then I really told him...

Turn that wheel!

This is Hanson,
rush an ambulance

to the Chuckawalla bridge,
and tell Fritzi Haller

to get down here.

- You alright, Paula?
- Yes, yes, I'm alright.

Better stay here, Paula.

- Hello, Fritzi.
- Are you alright?

Yes, I'm alright.

Proud of yourself?

No.

What happened before the wreck?
Did he leave you?

We left each other.

Don't you wanna tell me
about it?

I'd rather not.

Alright, baby.

You can come and work with me
at the Purple Sage.

The least I can do is teach you
how to earn money.

How to keep it once
you've got it.

And how to pick a phony.

No, thanks, Fritzi.
I don't think I want it.

You still in love with him?

There's no Eddie Bendix.

There never was.

Everything I thought was his
was really Johnny's.

I had it backwards all the time.

He's dead.

Might have been me
if you hadn't come along.

"A long rope," I said.

It's almost too long.

You'd better come home now,
baby.

Not now, Fritzi. Please.

You won't run away?

I won't run away anymore
from anything.

Tom: I'll bring her home.

Goodnight, Tom.
Goodnight, baby.

Goodnight, mother.

Always calls me mother
when she wants something.

I do. I want you to kiss me.

- They never fixed it.
- They will, someday.

Sometimes
things can't be fixed.

I don't believe that.
Neither do you.

- Do you, Paula?
- I don't know, Tom.

I really don't know.

That's all I wanted
to hear you say.

Nice view from here.
You can see Chuckawalla.

And the Bar Triangle beyond it.

If you want to.

I want to.
It looks good to me.

Depends on where you're sittin'.

And who's sittin' with you.