[theme music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
[male narrator] For centuries, the United States water ways
south of the Canadian border
were used by a fiercely proud people
of mixed French and Indian blood
know as Metis.
They were by choice the freight handlers of the West
carrying in their fragile birchbark canoes
the rich fur harvest of the Canadian north.
The finest white water paddlers in the world.
But in 1869, the land they'd owned for generations
became part of the expanding dominion of Canada
and the hot-blooded Metis rose in revolution
as their homesteads were overrun
by English-speaking settlers.
The revolution failed, but its leader
a brilliant and impassioned man
born under a tragic star, fled to the United States.
His name, Louis Riel.
How do I make this clear?
How do I make you understand?
It is now as it has been before and always will be
the cause and only the cause.
But many of you have lost your fathers, your brothers
your good friends, in this struggle to keep land
which has been ours for 200 years.
And nothing, nothing must be permitted
to endanger the cause for which we fight.
To forget that, as Antoine Lefort has thrice forgotten it
is to endanger that for which we all fight.
It is a fault for which there can be no retreat!
And still..
Still what we do today, it is hard.
It is very hard.
'Antoine Lefort is one of us.'
'But twice his temper has brought us'
to the verge of disaster.
And now he has broken the one rule
to which we have all agreed on pain of death.
'And you, a jury of his peers, have found him guilty.'
Here on American soil, he has k*lled an American in a quarrel.
I have told you before, he insulted me!
Because you in your pride tried to take his woman from him.
- She wanted me, not him! - He was an American.
We are here in America on sufferance. It is our sanctuary.
He called me a pig, a French pig!
It is the way of the Metis to avenge an insult.
But to k*ll an American
risks turning all Americans against us.
I k*lled him, yes! I will do it again.
He was a fat slug who stank of whiskey!
We've been over this before, Antoine.
You forced him to a fight.
You k*lled him in front of witnesses.
In any country in the world that would be called m*rder.
But for us, here, it is worse
because it threatens that for which
so many have already given their lives.
Antoine Lefort..
...you have been found guilty of the charges
that were brought against you.
And for that there is only one sentence.
'Death.'
[dramatic music]
Now if there's anyone here who disagrees
with the findings of this court, let him speak now.
[music continues]
Let the judgment be carried out.
Henri.
[music continues]
I cannot.
He's like a son to me.
I am sorry, Louis.
'I ask your pardon.'
There is a right here.
I pray for all of you.
[instrumental music]
[g*n c*ck]
Viva la cause.
[intense music]
[g*nsh*t]
Viva la cosa.
Viva la cosa.
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
[horses trotting]
Looks like we have a visitor!
Well, I'll be hornswoggled!
Who is it, Uncle Zeb?
Well, unless I've missed my guess
we're gonna get a visit from army general.
- 'General?' - 'Yeah, Phil Sheridan.'
[Zeb] 'Ha! There ain't nobody else rides a horse like that.'
[music continues]
Zeb.
Phil, what the hell brings you to these parts?
Well, I'd like to say I stopped by just to say hello
but I'm afraid it's a lot more serious than that.
Uh, excuse me, ma'am, my name is Sheridan.
Oh, I know. I've seen your picture, general.
We are very honored.
Phil, I want you to meet my family here.
This is Molly Culhane and these are my two nieces here.
Jessie and Laura.
'This is Luke and Josh, my two nephews.'
[birds chirping]
Uh, Josh, take the general's horse, please.
[Josh] Oh, sure.
Thank you. Git!
[clicks tongue] Come on.
Uh, my apologies to everybody
but it is imperative that I speak to Zeb.
Of course, general. It's been a pleasure meeting you.
Thank you, ma'am.
And may I say that it has been
a great honor to meet you.
[birds chirping]
Uh, all of you.
Ma'am.
General.
Zeb, uh, shall we go?
Well, if you think you can tear yourself away.
[clears throat]
[Zeb chuckling]
Well, Aunt Molly, looks to me
like you've made yourself a conquest.
And a general, too.
Why, nonsense. The man was just being polite.
That kind of politeness can get a man
into a lot of trouble if he isn't careful.
[sighs] Well, now, that'll be quite enough from all of you.
Zeb, you got about as much tact as a bull in a china shop.
I'll say, Phil, if it's any interest to you, she's a widow.
Well, I kind of figured that might make a dent.
Dammit, Zeb! She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!
What is she doing out in this wilderness?
Well, all the exciting things women get to do out here.
Cookin', sewin', milkin', plowin'
taking care of the rest of us.
It's a disgrace is what it is.
God, Zeb, would she set Washington on fire!
[scoffs] Golly, Phil, I'm beginning to wonder about you.
I thought you was a confirmed bachelor.
Well, I just, um, never had much time
for the finer things in life.
Well, if that's the way the wind's blowin'
I wouldn't waste much time.
You know, you ain't no spring chicken.
Ha!
[Zeb] 'Dammit, Phil, you've already had a couple'
of your fancy britches boys up here
asking me the same question.
And the answer's still the same no.
What's the matter with you, Macahan?
You think I don't know a couple of my officers came down here
to talk to you already?
You think I don't know what goes on in my own army?
What do you think I'm doin' here?
I'll tell you what you're doin' here.
You're drinkin' a damn sad more of that corn liquor
than you're liable to be able to hold.
[laughs]
I'll drink you under the table any time you wanna try, Macahan.
Alright, let's get to the facts.
I need you, Zeb.
This Louis Riel, he formed this revolution up in Canada
to help these, uh, French half-breeds
'to get whatever rights they think they're entitled to.'
But that revolution blew up in Riel's face
and he escaped to this country.
What's the army gettin' all excited about?
They figure he's gonna start a revolution here?
Well, that's exactly what Washington's afraid he's doin'.
'They think he's planning to go back up to Canada'
'to start another uprisin'.'
Well, dammit, Phil, you can't arrest a man for talkin'.
Well, of course not.
It's not the talkin' we're worried about.
There is a-a group of English Canadians
call themselves the Firsters.
They're the ones followed him out of Canada
and now they're after his scalp.
I see.
You want me to find this Riel fella
and bring him in, is that it?
You're one of the few men I think could, Zeb.
Now tell me this, what's the Canadian government
gonna do when they get him back?
Oh, I don't know and I don't care. It's none of my business.
'All we wanna do is get him out of this country.'
I'll tell you somethin'.
I don't know this Riel, I don't know whether he's right or wrong
but I don't like the smell of this whole deal.
Well, now you listen to me.
I would rather kiss the backside of a Barbary ape
than come to a hardnose like you for help.
'I'm gonna remind you of somethin'.'
'I once got the secretary of w*r'
'out of bed at four o'clock in the morning'
'and answer to a telegram I got from you.'
And then I rode 500 miles to save your Sioux brethren
from annihilation.
I still got the saddle sores to show for it.
Now, wait a minute. Let me get this straight.
You're asking me to go through with this deal
on the basis of owing you that favor?
You owe me, now's the time to pay.
Sheridan, you ain't got no scruples at all.
Hm, how do you think I ever got to be a general?
Oh, Zeb, look, you bring Riel to me
I'll take him back up to Canada
and I'll, I'll see to it that the authorities keep him there.
'Look at it this way, you may be saving Riel's life'
because if the Firsters get to him before you do
they'll hang him.
You are absolutely the most impossible man
that I have ever met in my entire life.
Yeah.
Did you or did you not promise all of us
that you would not go running off again
on some damn fool adventure
before we had this place stocked with animals?
Say, Molly, you better watch your language around the kids.
And just when can we expect you back again?
I don't know.
And do you care the least little bit
about the fact that we need you, all of us?
'Was it you or was it not you who kept the boys'
up in the high country for weeks on end
capturing those wild horses
so that we could start this ranch here?
Aunt Molly, we didn't mind being--
Now, you stay out of this, young man.
Oh, you love it, don't you?
'You just cannot stand'
'having to do anything that keeps you'
in the same place for more than five minutes!
You listen to me, you little hell-cat.
I'm leaving 'cause I got to.
Owe somebody a favor, and I aim to return it.
I'll be back when I can.
Yes, sir.
[dramatic music]
[grunts]
- I'll see you, kids. - Bye, Uncle Zeb.
[Jessie] 'Bye, Uncle Zeb.'
[door shuts]
Oh, I know exactly what your mother meant
when she used to write to me about Zebulon Macahan.
He doesn't think women know anything.
[laughing]
Hmph!
[instrumental music]
Laura, look it's General Sheridan.
[giggling]
He's back! He's back!
- Zeb? - No, General Sheridan.
Oh!
My Lord! Oh!
[music continues]
Ah..
Morning, ladies.
[both] Good morning, general.
Marvelous day, isn't it?
Oh, yes, it's a lovely day.
Uh, my horse lost a shoe yesterday.
I had to spend the night in town.
Oh, that's a shame.
[chuckles]
Well, it may well prove a blessing in disguise.
There was something I remembered I had to tell your Uncle Zeb.
Is he around?
Oh, I'm afraid you're too late.
- Uh, he's already gone. - Oh, he has?
Well, it wasn't all that important, uh
I can wait till I see him next time.
Of course, uh, with your Uncle Zeb
no knowing how long that might be.
[laughing]
Well, uh, I guess, if Zeb's gone
I, uh, better be on my way.
Oh, no! Um, please stay for dinner.
I'd like that, but, uh, I really don't have the time.
I hope that you will, uh, tell your aunt
uh, Mrs. Culhane that I said goodbye.
Well, well, she'd just feel awful
if she didn't get a chance to see you.
- I mean-- - Well, she's just in the house.
- I'll get her. - No, no. I..
I wouldn't wanna bother her. Uh, thank you, anyway.
[Molly] 'General Sheridan.'
What a delightful surprise!
[sighs] Thank you, ma'am.
I-I was just telling the ladies that, uh, there was something
I had forgotten to tell Zeb.
But they tell me he's already gone.
Oh, yes, I'm afraid so.
I'm sorry you've had such a long ride for nothing.
'But it is a pleasure to see you again, general.'
Yes, ma'am. I mean, it is a real pleasure for me, too.
[giggling]
Do you intend to keep my hand, general?
[chuckles] I'm sorry, Mrs. Culhane.
Uh, I'm not much of a ladies' man, I'm afraid.
Uh, just a very rough soldier.
Oh, I think you're a great deal more
than just a rough soldier, general.
And I insist that you stay for supper.
Mrs. Culhane, I hope you will believe me when I say to you
that there's nothing in the world that I would like more.
But I must get back to my headquarters.
I've been gone far too long.
Well, I understand. Of course.
Well, I hope we will meet again, general.
You are always welcome here.
Madam, I shall keep that invitation in my heart
every hour of every day.
[birds chirping]
Goodbye, Mrs. Culhane.
Goodbye, general.
[instrumental music]
He even forgot we were here.
I know.
[music continues]
[horse trotting]
[water gushing]
[Zeb] 'Kooner, I'm gonna tell you something straight out.'
'This poor Tarzan don't get no easy over the years.'
'If I'd have known what she was getting me into'
'I'd have come by horseback.'
[Kooner] Not in this country, old coot.
There ain't a way across this river except by canoe
for a 100 miles.
[Zeb] You sure of that?
[Kooner] I'm sure.
I've been traveling this territory
for nigh on to 30 years.
And you can't get through her except with a birchbark.
[Zeb] I'll take your word for it. How much farther we got to go?
[Kooner] If I remember right, about another mile or so.
Of course, if you're getting tired, old coot
we could try the river.
Nope.
Well, I'll tell you.
Them Metis is still the best white-water men I ever seen.
I'm not sure they could run that water the way she is right now.
There's a rumor going around, the man you're following
ran it once on a dare.
[Zeb] 'Louis Riel?'
I'll tell you somethin'.
I can understand how the army has a hard time
keepin' up with him.
Every time I get a line on him, he disappears.
Well, he's got men all up and down these rivers.
Ain't one of them who wouldn't give their life for him.
- Did you ever meet him? - Once.
Big man for a Metis.
Eyes that smoulder like coal fire.
You meet him once, you know why men follow him.
Of course, my problem is I've been huntin' him for two weeks
I can't even find him.
Now, that's downright embarrassing.
Well, I don't know if it would work.
But your might could get him to come to you.
- I'm listening, pard. - Word is he's got a woman.
Runs a trading post downriver.
I've met her.
And I'll tell you something, old coot.
- I'd follow her. - What's her name?
[Kooner] Marie. Marie Revard.
How is it you are so beautiful this morning?
Would you like to go for a little walk with me?
God! So big.
[instrumental music]
[chuckles]
Oh. You go play now.
[music continues]
Come on, Nez. Come on.
Come on.
[Nez growling]
[barking]
Attaboy, now. Just take it nice and slow.
Come on. Come on. That's a boy.
That's a boy. Come on. Come on.
Easy now, fella.
That's a good boy.
You a pretty friendly fella at that, ain't you?
Hey, now. Look at that.
Didn't mean to interrupt your bath, ma'am.
Who are you?
Name's Macahan. Zeb Macahan.
Macahan. Maybe that explains it.
- 'Explains what?' - Nez.
He's only allowed one other man to touch him.
Louis Riel?
- Riel? - Yeah.
I heard he was a friend of yours.
You heard wrong, monsieur. I know no Riel.
Yeah, but you, uh, you heard of him?
Everyone has heard of him.
- Why? - Oh, uh, no particular reason.
I, uh.. It ain't important.
- What do you want here? - Oh, came for some supplies.
I heard that a beautiful women name, uh, Marie Revard
ran this here trading post.
Saw you headin' out this way, thought I'd follow.
Come along.
[water gushing]
Where do you go with all this?
Oh, just wherever the spirit moves me.
You're here for no reason?
Well, uh, pretty country here and, uh..
Well, it's getting too crowded further down south.
I heard it said you're a scout for the soldiers.
Oh, sometimes.
Of course, uh, me and the army, we don't always see eye to eye.
Well, been nice meeting you, Marie.
Maybe I'll see you again.
Monsieur Macahan.
- You are in a hurry? - No.
Perhaps you would like a cup of tea?
Well, now. Sounds mighty neighborly.
[instrumental music]
Easy.
Our time will come.
[dramatic music]
I have heard much of Monsieur Macahan.
It is said you are a friend to the Indian.
The Indians also say
the b*llet has not been made that can k*ll you.
Well, they've been right about that so far.
'Who are they?'
They call themselves Canada Firsters.
They say they are patriots.
But if they had their way, all Metis
those French-Canadians who have Indian blood
would drown in rivers or lie in graves.
[footsteps approaching]
Morning.
I'm told the border to Canyon River starts here. How far?
- Oh, four miles. - And I need some shells.
How about, uh, eight boxes of them .45-70s?
Understand a fellow I know has, uh
passed through here not long ago.
Name of Riel.
'Louis Riel.'
Come on, mama. A good friend of mine.
Louis, he passed through here recently?
Riel. Louis Riel.
I know no one by that name, monsieur.
Monsieur?
You got a little French blood in you, you don't know Riel?
When was it you last seen him? When? When?
Let her go, mister.
Heard you want a lesson in politeness.
And just who's gonna teach me this lesson?
[groans]
You just made a big mistake, mister.
Yours was comin' in here.
It would give me the greatest of pleasure
to blow your head off, monsieur.
Now get out of here and take your men with you.
[Marie] 'And don't ever come here again.'
[dramatic music]
Another day.
[door shuts]
What do they want with Louis Riel?
It is said they wish to k*ll him
because he is the leader of the Metis.
That must mean they don't think much of you either.
You are too clever for your own good, monsieur.
But Shauna thanks you for defending her.
[Marie] I still cannot believe
that you made friends with him so quickly.
He has never liked strangers.
Oh, well, except for that, uh, other fella
that you were talking about, what is his name?
It is not important.
Well, it might be to some other man
who is interested in you, Marie.
It would be a mistake, mon ami.
Here, boy, go get it!
[screaming] No! Let go of me!
Why do you do this?
No, let go of me!
Let go! Get your filthy hands off of me!
Nez! Nez!
[Nez barking]
[panting]
Why, why are you doing this?
You can't get away with his, Macahan.
[panting] My friends, they will k*ll you.
I tell you, they will k*ll you.
I tell you, mes ami
the land along the Red River
of the north is ours.
It has always been ours.
It was worked by our fathers' fathers
and their fathers before them.
And we will never give it up. Never!
Never! Never! Never!
And we fought once
and we failed in that fight because we believed the lie
the lie that the 1200 soldiers who came into our settlements
came to protect us from those who would steal our lands
when their real purpose
was to deny us the rights for which we fought.
But we will never believe again in their promises.
And when we return to Canada
we will return with the fury of men
who have been not defeated, but betrayed!
For I tell you, the dream is not dead.
'I called you here today to say'
'the revolution lives.'
'It lives in the heart of Louis Riel.'
It lives in the breast of every Metis
and it cannot die
as long as there is a single Metis alive
to hold that dream in his heart.
So be gone, go back to where you came from.
And if anyone asked you
this land, not Canada, is your home.
You know nothing of revolution or Louis Riel.
But when the time comes, you will be called.
So until then, mes ami
until we fight again for that which is ours
and win
be gone!
And viva la cosa!
[chanting] Viva la cosa!
Viva la cosa! Viva la cosa!
- Viva la cosa! - Louis!
Louis, Louis!
- There is bad news. - What news?
It is Marie. She has been taken.
- What do you mean taken? - There was a man. A giant.
He come to the trading post. His name was Macahan.
They were walking by the river, suddenly he seized her
threw her in the canoe and was gone!
An Indian at the post saw it all.
And you, Jacques, where were you
and Pierre and the others when she was taken?
Because the Firsters were at the trading post.
When they left, we followed them
all of us, to see where they went.
When we come back, she was gone.
[breathing heavily] What has this man to do with Marie?
- Why does he take her? - I do not know, Louis.
We will go with you, Louis, all of us.
No, mon ami.
She is my woman. This is for Louis Riel alone.
If I am not back at the trading post by this time tomorrow
you can look for me, but only one canoe, Jacques.
It's too dangerous for all of you on the river together.
[dramatic music]
What is wrong, Henri?
I have a bad feeling for all this.
Why? There is no one better with knife or g*n than Louis Riel.
Hm. It is true, Henri.
So he will go and k*ll this giant
and bring Marie back with him.
I mean, what is wrong with that, Henri?
This Macahan, he's an American, no?
Oui.
For k*lling American, we have shot Antoine Lefort.
- But it is Riel's woman. - 'Oui, this is true.'
But who shoots Louis Riel
if he breaks his own rule?
[dramatic music]
[water gushing]
[water splashing]
- It is freezing! - And it ought to be!
That water's comin' right off the snowpack.
- We will sink! - Well, that's possible.
'That's why I cut you lose.'
Be a lot safer if you pick up a paddle.
By shame, I will not help you!
Well, suit yourself.
It only gets worse.
What..
[water splashing]
[instrumental music]
Who told you I was Riel's woman?
How far do you take me?
Few more hours downriver.
Where you will wait for Riel?
Where we will wait of Riel.
[exhales sharply]
[dramatic music]
I think, monsieur, we will not get
much further downstream today.
Well, I'll say one thing for you.
You're sure full of surprises.
[dramatic music]
Young lady, I'm gonna lift you out of this canoe.
'Now it might be your way or mine.'
Mine!
[water splashing]
[grunting]
We should have k*lled you!
Oh..
- You want to k*ll Louis Riel? - It ain't my intention.
But when he come, he will k*ll you, monsieur.
Believe he'll try, alright.
'You see, Marie, that's part of the whole plan.'
[speaking in foreign language]
[horses trotting]
Jessie, this colt's not gettin' enough milk.
Should we give him some from the cow?
Well, I guess.
[horses trotting]
[horse neighing]
[horse neighing]
Morning, ladies.
- Mornin'. - 'Is this the Macahan Ranch?'
Uh, yes, yes, it is.
Ah, we're lookin' for Mrs. Culhane.
- In the house. - Thank you.
Why is it that every time
a good looking-man comes around here
I am a mess?
Two good-looking men.
[exhales sharply]
Get going, Blue.
[horse neighing]
- Morning, gentlemen. - Good morning, ma'am.
- Would you be Mrs. Culhane? - I would.
Oh, General Philip Sheridan's compliments, ma'am.
'He's giving a party at the fort a week from Saturday'
and he'd be honored if you'd be the guest of honor.
Well, that's extremely gracious of the general.
Ah, but I'm not sure that I--
Aunt Molly..
Would appear that the entire family
doesn't share my feelings.
[sighs] But I'm really afraid
that I wouldn't want to make that journey alone.
Oh, well, well, our apologies, ma'am.
You are to be the guest of honor, but the invitation
is for the entire Macahan family.
'Uh, the general will send a carriage.'
And accommodations have been provided
for you to stay at the fort overnight.
Well, that's most gracious of the general.
Uh, but before I give you my answer
I think you ought to come inside and have a glass of cider.
Oh, we thank you, ma'am, we surely do.
But the, uh, general was very explicit in his orders.
We're to give you his compliments, convey his message
and return to the fort post-haste with your reply.
Aunt Molly.
- Please. - Please.
[sighs] Very well, gentlemen.
You may tell the general that the Macahans
accept his kind invitation with pleasure.
'However, you may also tell him'
that I ordered you to take some refreshment with us.
'And I'm accustomed to having my orders obeyed.'
Yes, ma'am.
Now, if you ladies can take a couple of minutes
to clean yourselves up
I'm sure these young men might enjoy your company.
Come inside, gentlemen.
[instrumental music]
Uh..
[sighs]
Now it is clear.
The American soldiers, they could not find Louis
so they sent you.
That's about the size of it.
You would take Riel back to Canada?
The army will.
- You do this for money? - No.
- 'Then why?' - As a favor.
You are a fool.
[chuckles] Well, I've been called that before, too.
How long you think it'll be before your friend
starts looking for ya?
[scoffs] What does it matter?
When he comes, you will not see him
you will not hear him until his knife is at your throat.
And then it will be too late.
No one takes Riel's woman and lives.
Well, sure hope you're wrong about that.
How long do you keep me tied up like this?
As long as it takes.
I hurt.
Well, I didn't tie you any tighter than I needed to there.
But I do hurt.
It is hard to sit like this.
Well, I imagine it is.
[exhales sharply] A man
a real man would not treat a woman so.
You know somethin'? You may be right about that.
If I give you my word I will not run away..
- Can I trust you? - I swear.
On the grave of my sainted mother, I swear.
Could a promise be more sacred?
I'll tell you what, Marie, I'm gonna take you
as a woman of your word.
[exhales sharply]
Now...there you go.
[sighs]
How, how far is this place you try to take Louis?
That's about 50 mile downriver.
Fifty miles downriver, alone?
You try and do this alone with Louis Riel?
[chuckles] Oh, my friend, you're not only a fool.
You are a mad man.
Goodbye, Macahan!
I will pray for your soul when Riel finds you!
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
Evenin' to you.
[gasps] Ah..
[grunts] Shh..
Uh..
What about the grave of your mother?
My mother is alive, you pig!
Well, well..
Come, Marie, what am I gonna do with you anyway?
I don't wanna have to keep you tied up till Riel gets here.
You're right. It is foolish, huh?
You're only paying back a favor to someone.
That's right.
We should be friends.
Till Riel gets here.
Until Riel gets here, of course.
We could be very good friends.
And if we were..
...very
very...close friends..
...maybe then you could forget Louis Riel.
Well, see, that's.. Tsk.
That's a mighty temptin' offer.
[chuckles]
I, I'm afraid, I can't make no deals.
[dramatic music]
[exhales sharply]
Now, Marie, look.
I'm not goin' to tie you up again.
Not gonna tie you up, I'm gonna leave you right here.
And I'm gonna be sleepin' right by this canoe.
But I'll tell you something. I'm a light sleeper.
Ain't no way you can get away from me.
So why don't you just relax until Riel gets here?
You're right. Maybe it's better this way.
I will be here to watch when Riel cuts your heart out.
[instrumental music]
[instrumental music]
[water splashing]
[intense music]
[music continues]
Louis, he's waiting!
[dramatic music]
[water splashing]
Give it up, Riel, or I'm gonna have to k*ll you.
On the other hand, I wish very much to k*ll you.
[g*nsh*t]
Louis!
Louis.
You are a very bad shot, Marie.
[breathing heavily]
He should not mis..
[sobbing]
Will he die, monsieur?
Well, he's not gonna die, Marie. He'll make it.
[sobbing]
[instrumental music]
He's an interesting man, this Macahan of yours.
He is not of mine. I hate him.
He took me by force.
And after he had pretended to be a friend.
Well, for that I do not think I can blame him much.
What?
To have you in my power alone in the forest
I would pretend almost anything.
Oh, Louis, be serious.
He is without honor.
- Hm. And you? - Me?
Did you not tell me you promise not to run away
and then you ran like a little rabbit?
It was for the cause.
Hm..
This man, I think he has a cause also.
It's sad, is it not?
That in order to have that which should be
the meanest man's birthright, freedom..
...we have to make an enemy of others.
k*ll...or be k*lled.
[instrumental music]
But whenever that thought
begins to make me drown in grief..
...I lay it beside your name.
And suddenly the world is a brighter place.
Oh, you are teasing me.
No.
Do you not know by now
that you cut a shape upon the air
it will be my scar?
[music continues]
Well, Louis, it is so mixed up.
For all of us.
I think, even for him.
He took you, knowing I would try to k*ll him if I could
knowing that any Metis who found you with him
would try to k*ll him, and yet he came.
It takes a very brave man.
Also a man with a very strong reason.
Reason? He pays back a debt.
Oui.
But to whom?
[music continues]
Coffee for the enemy?
Oh.
I wouldn't say you're my enemy, Riel.
Just a prisoner.
For the time being, my friend.
It is a long way down the river.
Yeah, and I don't figure you're gonna give me
much trouble either.
That shoulder of yours, that's in bad shape.
- 'How do you feel?' - I have felt better.
Hell, I don't doubt it.
That's a .45-70 slug you're carrying.
- It's gonna have to come out. - Oh, and who does this?
- You? - 'Not me.'
I've taken b*ll*ts out, but not out of a shoulder like that.
That's too dangerous, you could lose an arm.
- Then who? - Got to be a doctor.
[chuckling] That's very unfortunate.
There's not a doctor for a 100 miles.
Well, I don't know about that.
This time of year there's usually
kind of a rendezvous downriver.
A doctor would be there?
Well, he's sort of a doctor, name of Teavers.
He's got a cabin down there.
If we're lucky, we can catch him in.
You'll need more than luck, my friend.
Already my men are on the river looking for me
and they can move much faster than we can.
You will wait for the Metis. They will help us.
[Zeb] Well, I can't do that, Marie.
If I do, I'm gonna lose him forever.
That's not the way I got it figured.
Now, Riel, I'm gonna have to lift you. It's gonna hurt.
Well, I don't wish to cause you any inconvenience, monsieur.
My legs are alright. I think I can walk.
- Louis. - Leave him.
[breathing heavily]
[groaning]
[breathing heavily]
Thank you, monsieur.
It is a pity that someday I'll have to k*ll you.
- What's the matter? - Nothing, uh..
But you're a man of surprises, Monsieur Macahan.
Already you have understood his pride.
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
[waves crashing]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[intense music]
- Here. They were here. - How long?
Oh, ground is still warm from the fire.
Two, three hours ago, huh?
[music continues]
[waves crashing]
You cannot take him through that!
[Zeb] Got no choice.
Got a place I gotta get to
before your friends catch us.
[music continues]
It's too dangerous, it will k*ll him!
No, it won't.
Make it a damn slight more comfortable..
[intense music]
[waves crashing]
[instrumental music]
[Zeb] River's narrow here.
This is where we'll wait for your friends.
[waves crashing]
[dramatic music]
Why do you do this? You made a promise.
Things have changed.
I don't want you running loose when your friends arrive.
You think you can fight so many Metis?
Hah! Not hardly.
Especially, not if they all fight like your friend there.
[intense music]
[music continues]
Louis.
He set a trap.
What?
'He puts a rope across the river.'
[breathing heavily]
[dramatic music]
This one is a problem.
[Marie] 'We must call to them.'
It would do no good. On the river they will not hear.
It is my fault. You would've k*lled him.
Perhaps.
[music continues]
I must do something.
[music continues]
Turn! It's a trap! I told you! Ah!
[water gurgling]
[instrumental music]
[clapping]
[sighs] Well, the b*llet's out.
I gave him a little sleeping potion.
He'll, he'll be feeling fine.
Oh, that's good, doc.
Say, you, you figure he'll be able to travel by tomorrow?
Well, he's a man with a strong constitution.
[Teavers] 'He'll be a mite weak in the morning'
'but, uh, I think he'll move out.'
And speaking of that, after I do a good patch-up job
I always need a little bit of nourishment myself.
[chuckles] I know what you mean.
[laughs]
[crowd applauding]
[Marie] 'He's sleeping like a child.'
'There must be no pain.'
Hell, old doc, uh, he knows what he's doin'.
[indistinct chatter]
[instrumental music]
You were at the old Rendezvous?
The real ones?
Well, I was at the Green River Rendezvous
back in '40.
Yeah, that one lasted most of all summer.
There must've been a 1000 mountain men
trappers here like us.
On top of that, another 1000 Injuns.
'Now, them was a real glory days.'
We used to call 'em the shinin' times.
- You miss those days? - Nope.
Never missed nothin' in the past.
Nothing behind you?
Not even a love affair?
Marie, did anybody ever tell you, you ask too many questions?
[chuckles] It's the right of every woman to be curious.
[Marie] 'It is the Firsters.'
Kenyon and his men.
'They look for Louis.'
Yeah, don't worry about it. They can't do nothin' here.
[Zeb] 'This island's neutral territory.'
Howdy, boys!
Looking for a mite of socializing?
No, we seen 'em canoes.
Lookin' for a man named Riel.
- Louis Riel. - Well..
You've come to the wrong place for that.
We got hard-fast rules here.
No group fightin', no politickin'.
Yeah, we ain't looking for no witnesses when we take him.
What are them two doin' here?
Well, I reckon they be doin' what you be doin' here.
Looking for a mite of socializing.
[laughs]
Yeah.
[instrumental music]
[crowd clapping]
[male #1] 'Ya-hoo!'
Well, they don't know Riel will be here
but, uh, I think they're gonna be here for the night.
They'll follow us tomorrow.
Hey, doc, keep an eye on Riel here till I get back, will ya?
I'll do that, Zeb.
[thudding]
Hey, you're pretty expert at knocking holes in canoes, Marie.
- Ah! - Now, wait a minute. Hold on.
Now, don't try to pull it out. Now, wait a minute.
Alright. Nice and easy now.
There we go. There.
Sit down, Marie.
Here, let me take a look at it here.
See what you've done.
Alright.
Think you better have the doc take a look at this.
Oh!
[crowd applauding]
- You do not have to carry me. - You're not heavy, Marie.
I wish to be put down.
Yeah, I'll put you down when I get you to the doc
and take a look at that ankle.
I believe it is the woman's choice
if she wants a man's arms about her.
[laughs] Well, I'm afraid this is a little different, Marie.
If I was lustin' after you, I would've taken you up
on the offer when you made it, remember?
- It was for the cause. - Yeah, I know.
You almost had me believin' in that cause for a while.
[indistinct chatter]
Yeah.
You sure you don't want me to fetch the doc?
No. It is just fine.
You see, it is just fine.
Good-lookin' leg you got there.
What's the price, Frenchie?
If there was a price, I do not lie with pigs.
You stinking half-breed baggage.
[groaning]
[panting]
Hold it! Hold it!
I choose him. Any objections?
No group fight. Man against man.
We always consider it part of the entertainment.
I'm gonna feed you your liver, Macahan.
Braggin' don't count, doin' does.
[Kenyon] Now..
- Get to it! - Get him, Zeb!
[Teavers] Come on. Come on, Zeb!
[grunts]
[indistinct chatter]
[Teavers] 'Come on! Easy, Zeb. Easy, Zeb.'
[indistinct chatter]
- Come on, Zeb. Come on! - Come on, Zeb!
[grunts]
That's.. Ah..
[laughing]
[Teavers] 'That's the way to go, Zeb! Ha-ha-ha!'
[indistinct chatter]
Enough!
- Enough. - Ain't enough for me, mister.
[Marie] Louis. Louis.
Louis.
Oh, Marie..
Louis, we have a chance to escape.
What?
If we are quick, we can get free.
Can you walk?
I don't know.
I will help you. We must try.
Macahan, where is Macahan?
He is drunk. He fights with someone.
Drunk? After he worked so hard to find me?
Something is very wrong here--
Please, there is no time to explain.
We must hurry.
[indistinct chatter]
- Still got two eyes, Zeb. - 'Come on, use the knife!'
[male #2] 'Zeb, come on!'
[indistinct chatter]
[male #3] 'Come on, get up, Zeb! Yeah, Zeb.'
Oh, yeah.
[male #4] 'Ah, he's got a knife!'
[grunting]
Mister, have you got anything to say
besides apologizing to that lady?
- You can go to hell! - k*ll him!
You be the better man, Macahan.
[grunts]
The better man!
Ooh..
[crickets chirping]
Zeb! Ha-ha-ha. Zeb!
[laughs] You forgot your Bowie.
- Oh, thanks, doc.. - Oh.
Well, I see you got more than a couple of good years left in ya.
Well, I hope you're right, doc.
I got a long, hard road ahead of me
there tomorrow getting him downriver.
Well, why don't you stay with us? Rest up. What's you hurry?
Well, I wish I could, doc.
But I wanna get started at first light.
That is, uh, if that potion you gave Riel wasn't too strong.
[chuckles] Well, what is it, Zeb?
Marie.
- 'Damn!' - 'Is Riel gone?'
Both gone.
I'll tell you, she's gonna be in real trouble
if she tries to take him through those rapids alone.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
You're very beautiful.
I thank you for the compliment, general.
Facts are not compliments.
They state an existence that is as unassuming
as unbending as the Sphinx.
Oh, my.
That sounds as precise as a military campaign.
Speaking of campaigns..
...I'm having a dinner for two served in my office.
I hope that the lady will accept.
The lady would be pleased.
You dance divinely, Josh.
[chuckles] Never figured that, ma'am.
My name's Phoebe.
[applauding]
May I ask Ms. Macahan if there's anybody
calling at the ranch? I mean, on a regular basis.
Do you expect any girl in her right mind
to say she has no callers?
Rephrasin' that question.
Would Ms. Macahan take offense
if a lowly cavalry second lieutenant
was to call one evening?
I rather think I would not take offense.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
To hoping that I didn't step on the gal's toes too many times.
Well, if you did, I didn't notice.
Have you seen the moon yet tonight, Josh?
- The moon? - Looking east.
From just behind the stables.
Oh, my!
Uh, yes, I instructed my orderly
that if that table did not look like I was entertaining
the most gracious and most important lady
that ever set foot in this fort
he'd be sweeping out stalls for a month.
[chuckles] Well, please inform him that the impression
is nothing less than devastating!
I shall do so, Mrs. Culhane.
Now, uh, perhaps a, a little wine
and, uh, some pleasant conversation before supper.
I shall try to supply the pleasant conversation.
Unfortunately, I have a habit of using cuss words
about, uh, every other sentence.
Well, now, I just can't imagine a general of the army
ever using a cuss word.
Well, you're right.
I should try to set an example.
Ah, a bit of humor.
- Proving how little I have. - 'Nonsense.'
I find men of importance have an excellent sense of humor.
Uh, it's simply more refined.
I suppose they have so little time for trivia.
Thank you for the compliment.
I do have very little time.
Uh, I don't mean for trivia.
Probably sounds very oafish trying to explain what I meant
by my having very little time.
Perhaps it's something that doesn't need explaining
general.
Thank you.
I seem to be forever thanking you
or, uh, apologizing and taking side trails as it were
and then skirmishing, heh, rather than attacking.
Oh, my God, I didn't mean..
Oh, no, of course not, general.
Damn it! What I meant to s..
Uh..
[laughing]
[knocking on door]
Uh, yes?
Sir, did you wish to be served now?
Uh, yes, uh, thank you.
I am, uh, retreating.
For the moment retreating.
[intense music]
[music continues]
Now, see here, below the curves
the river, she winds like a snake.
Here and here and here
they must both touch.
It will take them a day to reach this place.
'For us to catch them by river, it would be foolish.'
We are too far behind.
But here, if we take to the mountains..
Up there? It is impossible.
Nothing is impossible for the Metis.
Have not each of you carried near 300 pounds
over Le Grand Portage?
I mean, after that, this is nothing.
Now, all day we climb up the cliffs
all night we climb down.
By morning, we should be close to them.
If we're not dead, all of us, before we reach the river.
If Louis dies, our way of life is gone forever.
[speaking in a foreign language]
[instrumental music]
Afternoon.
Marie, I sure didn't figure you'd be foolish enough
to try to take Riel through those rapids.
I should've listened to Louis. He said you would not be fooled.
I'll tell you somebody else you didn't fool
and that's Kenyon and that g*ng of his.
Soon as they get their canoes repaired
they're gonna be hot on your trail.
I felt very guilty leaving with you fighting for me.
Don't worry about that.
I'd have done the same in your place.
Then I knew you would win.
How's Louis?
Another day and he will out-paddle anyone.
Come along.
[birds chirping]
So you believe the Firsters know I am wounded
and with Marie.
I figure they'll be after us like a badger down a hole.
You know, I keep thinking it is you I have to defeat
'not those others who follow.'
You better just keep remembering it's them Firsters
who got that rope they wanna put around your neck.
How you wanna go, Riel?
You wanna have a truce or you wanna go trussed up like a hog?
A truce, of course.
Yeah. Well, that's all well and good, Marie.
Except, your word ain't exactly like banking money, is it?
Which way is it gonna be, Riel?
Agreement between us, yes.
But do not trust me once it is only the two of us.
I'll keep that in mind.
[intense music]
Marie, I don't think you understand, either one of you
what I'm trying to say.
Now, if the Metis and the Firsters wanna have a fight
they're gonna have to do it in their own territory.
They're gonna have to do it in Canada.
Your argument is too vague, Macahan.
People will yet learn
an injustice occurring in one land
and left unchallenged
will find a stray seed of that injustice
falling in their own land to be nurtured there.
The oppression of any one people is a universal problem.
Tyranny anywhere is a threat to every man.
Hear me.
A farmer owns a piece of land.
People from government offices come to him and say
"Prove this land is yours."
'The farmer says, "I've been here 100 years.'
Land given me by my father, given him by his father."
The government says
"Our records do not go back that far.
"You must file a claim.
Then the land is yours."
'So the farmer agrees, he files a claim for the land'
'his own land.'
But lo, other people are filing a claim for the same land.
And somehow, his name does not end up on that
which was born out of generations of work and sorrow.
He loses that little piece of ground
where the laughter of lovers
and the cries of babies over generations
have made that land and his name one.
He loses an identity.
And instead of feeling like a true man
he is only flotsam
that which is carried against its wishes
into light and darkness
into uncertainty
into confusing shadows.
'But who can overcome that which is uncertain?'
'You see, shadows cannot be fought.'
A dispossessed farmer cries out with loved ones in his arms
"Who does this thing to me?"
And there is no answer.
You see, this, this is the, uh importance.
No one has an answer.
No voice is heard in reply.
'Now, if a word had been invented'
'to rest upon this simple man's head'
would that word not be despair?
And the reason..
Do they say all men shall be dispossessed
or do they not say, "Only the Metis?"
And why? The reason?
Here is the difference.
The blood which flows through a man's veins.
Louis!
Here is the difference.
You see, that..
...is the only difference.
And you have no interest?
[instrumental music]
Chu-chu, Marie, Marie.
[music continues]
What is it?
Perhaps I can say it for you.
You're beginning to believe that what you're doing is wrong.
It's true, isn't it?
[music continues]
'Is the debt you owe really worth the price you pay?'
[instrumental music]
[intense music]
[Jacques] Louis!
Louis!
Riel, you better let go of that log and paddle
like your life depended on it.
I know you, Macahan, you will not sh**t.
And I think we no longer have a truce.
Louis, ha-ha.
Crossed the mountain by night, Louis.
- Ah-ah! - What else would a Metis do?
[chuckling]
And now, Louis, this one
the river swallows him, no?
Jacques, Jacques, there is no reason for this man to die.
Especially, since he has no interest.
'Our fight is not his concern.'
To release him means the American army
will come hunting us, led by him.
Louis, on this we must take a vote.
Our lives are also at stake.
Perhaps, Macahan can speak for himself.
If freed, would he return home and be willing to say
his mission failed?
You know the answer to that one, Riel.
People drown in the river, it happens often
and without question.
There is another way.
Take him north with us and release him
when we are in a safe place.
At the Rendezvous we heard how Louis was shot.
These are strange words for a woman
who once tried to k*ll Macahan.
To save Louis' life..
...he took Louis to a doctor.
He, he fought for my honor
at the camp of the trappers.
He fought Kenyon.
'He was not drunk.'
Marie, nothing is important but the cause.
Not our lives, not his life, only the cause.
'We took the life of Antoine Lefort'
'because in his anger he forgot the cause.'
Jacques!
Like I told you, Riel, them fellas you better look out for.
They got a rope they wanna put around your neck.
He's right, Louis. We stay to fight, you go.
No, no, I stay and fight with you.
Macahan, you take Marie with you.
Louis, if you die, our cause is lost.
'It is only your life that is important.'
Take Louis with you, monsieur.
We will hold the river at this point.
'Into shore, quickly, and take cover!'
Allons-y! Vite! Vite!
[intense music]
[screaming]
[g*nsh*t]
[g*nf*re]
[g*nshots]
It would've been easy to remain behind and fight.
To leave takes a very brave man.
They will all die.
And others will die in the days to come.
But in the end, we will win.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
Louis.
Let's head in.
[music continues]
Why are we stopping here?
Well, let's just say this is where we're gonna be
parting company, Louis.
There's a trading post right over that hill.
Go over there and get the supplies you want
tell 'em I sent you.
They won't ask no questions.
You're freeing Louis?
Well, Marie, let's just say that, uh
I don't wanna be part of anybody
passing judgment on Louis Riel
or what he believed in.
[birds chirping]
You are a man to know, Macahan.
It is my honor.
Been a pleasure knowing you, Riel.
[instrumental music]
Marie.
You must not come with me.
- Louis. - Marie.
Look there.
[Riel] I see a gallows on that hill.
And I am swinging from it.
Never say that.
A foolish vision?
No.
No, not even a foolish vision and, uh
imagining of foolish things.
[music continues]
Au revoir.
He says I must not be with him.
But he needs me.
I think he does, Marie.
I do not think that Louis and I will ever marry.
So I will return to the river
to the trading post
perhaps, by next spring.
One day you may be passing by.
I'll be passing by.
We will have a drink..
...between friends.
Between friends, Marie.
[instrumental music]
[Sheridan] 'You mean, you had Riel in your hands'
'not ten miles from this bivouac and you let him go?'
[Zeb] 'You heard me, if you don't mind, general'
'I'd like to get back to the river right now.'
'I ain't seen my family in a month.'
I'll tell you, Macahan, you better have
one damn good reason.
Well, I got a damn good reason.
I don't mind returning the favor I owe you, general
but I don't aim to use a man's life to do it.
You know, if that Louis Riel
got taken back to Canada by them Firsters
I'm not gonna think much of myself.
I ain't paying you to feel good about yourself.
If you think I'm doing this for money, general, you're crazy.
Louis Riel's a brave man, he's a man of principle.
And you're not takin' sides?
As far as I'm concerned, there's three sides to this.
And the third one is for you and me
to keep our noses out of it.
[sighs]
Alright, you tell me one thing
but first you're gonna have to sit down with me
and help compose a telegram back to Washington
explaining how Riel escaped from ya.
Now you tell me this.
How'd you ever finally catch up to him?
Well, I didn't, he located me.
Well, what did he go lookin' for you for?
Well, we found out that we had something in common between us.
Something kind of special.
And that's all I'm gonna be telling you
about the story of Louis Riel.
Oh, well, Zeb, maybe you're right about, uh
using a man's life trying to repay a favor.
I'll, uh, just tell Washington that, uh
we just got too many big problems out here
to go chasing after Riel.
- Thank you, general. - Yeah.
Oh, by the way, uh, Zeb, I, uh
had the Macahan ladies as my guest
out at the fort last weekend.
Molly, uh, M-Mrs. Culhane
is a marvelous lady, uh
marvelous!
[instrumental music]
[male narrator] Louis Riel's prophecy that he would die on the gallows
was to come true.
He did build the second revolution
he had promised his followers.
And when it too was put down
he was tried by a Canadian court
and hanged
on the 16th of November, 1885.
As he approached the gallows, he handed a note to a bystander
which read
"I have devoted my life to my country.
"If it is necessary for the happiness of my country
"that I should now cease to live
"I leave it to the providence of my God.
Signed, Louis Riel."
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[theme music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
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03x06 - L'Affaire Riel
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Zebulon Macahan is a well-known mountain man and scout working for the U.S. Army in the Indian Territories.
Zebulon Macahan is a well-known mountain man and scout working for the U.S. Army in the Indian Territories.