California Conquest (1952)

[bunniefuu]

In the years

between 1825 and 1841,

when California

was a province of Mexico,

it was torn

by internal strife.

Britain, France, and Russia

tried to gain a foothold

in this land...

but it was the Czar of Russia

who established settlements

at Fort Ross, Kuskoff,

and Bodega Bay.

Czarist power on the North American

continent reached its height

when Princess Helena de Gagarin,

niece of the Czar of Russia,

accompanied by

Russian officers,

christened a mountain

in Northern California

in honor of the Empress of

Russia's patron saint, Helena.

But the Czar had net considered

the people of California,

who wanted freedom.

One must look at governments with

the eye of a connoisseur, Juan.

A government is like good food.

Put in the right ingredients,

and you have a dish that sits

well on everyone's stomach.

Si, Don Arturo.

The wrong things can

make a country sick,

put in a pinch of

something good here,

pinch of something else here,

another pinch here...

and what have

you got?

Enchiladas?

Freedom!

Freedom, Juan.

A country of freedom that sits

well on everyone's stomach.

And is the United States freedom the

kind that sits on everyone's stomach?

The freedom

of the United States

is something

you will soon taste, Juan.

Already I have made many

of my countrymen hungry for it.

Perhaps this very night,

you will begin to cook.

What we have here

should add spice to the dish.

It is a good thing no one knows what kind

of spice you got there, Don Arturo...

Aye. or we might never reach

the Reina de Los Angeles.

Santa Maria.

Andele! Vamanos!

Juan, quick! Your rope.

Lets pull out

the bridge supports.

Now, we can ride

as gentlemen should.

Who were those sons

of the devil

who dare to do this

to José Martinez?

Who saw their faces?

They never let us get

close enough, José.

What about

the rest of you?

So not only they

get away from us,

but the saddlebag

with the gold, too.

The gringo lovers,

they will pay for this.

After the beautiful reception

we will give

to Mr. John Frémont

this afternoon,

we will take what that

gold was going to buy.

Let's go.

Come on, you bushwhackers,

get going, get 'em inside.

You want to get paid,

don't you?

These crates have to be

unloaded before sundown.

If that is the way American

women look, Don Arturo,

maybe it is better

not to have freedom.

I'm sorry, señor,

I was in the back and I...

Oh, the American Star, eh?

Si, I am Don Arturo Bordega,

Very glad to see you,

Don Arturo.

Is the gold safe?

Enough to buy all the g*ns in

the stock of señor Lawrence.

If only the American government can

see it our way, we will know tonight.

Any news of Frémont?

Not a word, yet, señor,

but there are

other people in town.

Don Carlos de Reno,

Don Herectos Abrillo,

Don Junipero, Don Fredo

Brios and his brother,

The Brios brothers.

From what I know of them, we would

be better off without them.

It is too bad that so many

trust them, señor,

but if they...

Please, senor! Please!

My servant.

- That's Ernesto Brio, sir.

- Mercy, señor.

Promise, I will never

do it again, señor.

Mercy! Please!

Mercy, señor.

What is all this tumult?

You screech loud enough

to turn my wine to vinegar.

Master,

it was not my fault.

Your dog of a peon

sputtered dust on me.

You see, Juan, if this

were a land of progress,

you peons wouldn't always

be brawling.

Peons?

By the saints!

Whoa, boys, whoa. Put away

that pig-sticker, señor.

Seems like every time

someone pulls one of those

in this part of the country,

a revolution starts.

Well, what's wrong with

revolution, señorita?

They break the monotony, and

California has a brand new governor.

I've heard that even this gentleman

would like to be governor.

Hmm? Is that so? Seems to

me if I were a young man,

I'd want a job

with a future to it.

Are you an

American?

Yes, any objections?

If there are, my blade have

forgotten your insults, Don Arturo.

Remember that...

if you should choose

to make any more.

At the right time, I shall be

most delighted to lose my memory.

Aren't swords a little

old-fashioned, señor?

Tradition dies hard.

I wonder if we Americans will

ever understand your people.

You don't have to. It's more

important that we understand you.

Perhaps, we shall have a good

beginning at the ball tonight?

Adiós, señorta.

Everything all right,

all right, Julie?

Sure, pop. Plates are all

intact, nothing broken.

If this territory

keeps on building,

we're going to have to enlarge

that factory. That's sure.

Build a better g*n, there'll always be

somebody who wants to sh**t it off.

Eh, long as there ain't no

ruckus, nobody get hurt.

Hey, when you gonna start to gettin'

ready for that shindig tonight?

Pop, you know how I feel about getting

all dressed up like a Calvary horse.

Oh, you'll wear

your best dress.

You know I always say, "when you

do something, do it right."

You'll never get a husband

wearing them things.

What's the matter? Don't I

do a good job around here?

What do I need a husband for?

Now, you're old enough to know

the answer to that yourself.

You wear that dress.

Hey, pop, there's something

funny going on here.

I mean, this isn't just

a ball tonight, is it?

There's something

more important.

You might as well know:

Captain John Frémont's

going to be there.

John Frémont?

The American explorer?

Been a kind of a secret.

Things're popping, Julia.

Oh,

what did he want here?

I don't know, all I know is

a couple of weeks ago,

Don Esteban Mirana asked me if I'd

like to see California join the Union,

and when I said, "sure,"

he just kind of smiled,

went on about his business.

There's something in the wind.

Hey, I've got to wait late

at the shop tonight,

and you're going

to be at the ball,

and you'll be dancing.

Maybe you could do some

listening, too.

Hmm?

It's a big country,

Don Esteban.

A beautiful country. A country ripe

for progress, Captain Frémont.

And am I supposed to

represent progress?

You are an explorer,

and an American.

Neither one has ever

entered a new land to...

take anything away,

just to bring something.

Why not let the people of California

choose their own form of government?

Technically, we are

part of Mexico.

The seat of the

Mexican government

is over 2,500 miles

away from us,

and besides, Mexico

has her own troubles.

So we are left to

shift for ourselves,

practically

independent territory.

So, how to choose?

Elections such as yours?

The peónes know nothing

of government, sir,

and care less.

José!

The coach is coming.

That's the one.

And remember,

no one gets away alive.

They're going to be disappointed

in any valuables they find on me.

Perhaps it is yourself that is

so valuable to them, capfián.

It is a hard country

in which to keep a secret.

Perhaps you...

Don Esteban!

There will be no guest of honor

at the meeting, tonight.

It gets late.

You suppose the guest of honor

has been detained?

Unavoidably detained.

You will make

a handsome governor,

and I will have a brother

in high office.

Ah, well.

The father is

Sam Lawrence.

So... an interesting

development.

Stay away from her,

Fredo.

We can afford

no complications.

You had best watch your own

complications, Ernesto.

Don Arturo Bordega

is as good a swordsman as you.

Señorita Lawrence?

Yes?

I am Don Fredo Brios.

How do you do?

The music is inviting.

If you would do me

the honor, señorita?

Thank you,

I don't feel like dancing.

But they say that music is

exhilarating and refreshing

as a good glass

of cool water.

Hmm, it depends on

how thirsty you are.

You have much to learn,

señor

One never offers a

beautiful woman water,

when what she really

wants is wine.

Will you forgive my dear for

taking so long to bring your wine?

You looking for

another duel?

When a man meets

a pretty girl,

it's automatically

a duel.

Do you know

who that was?

Not your husband,

I hope.

No.

Don Fredo Brios.

The brother of the man who wanted to

stick a sword in you this afternoon.

Then I'm glad he's

not your husband.

May I ask you a

personal question?

Go ahead.

Why were you wearing

those...

horrible things you had on

when I first met you?

They cover me,

don't they?

That's the trouble.

Too well.

Don't bother

to dwell on it.

I prefer to dwell on

the way you look now.

Don Arturo,

if you can come to

the library, he's here.

You know it is important,

or I would not leave you.

Will I see

you later?

That depends, Don...

Good, then I will see you.

Captain Frémont,

this is Don Arturo Bordega,

our leader.

I've heard of

the Bordega Family,

I'm honored, sir.

We are honored, señor.

The name of Frémont means

much in California, also.

You had an accident?

I managed to reach the mission

where Fray Lindos attended me,

but, uh,

it wasn't an accident.

...Attack Arturo,

but there was no

attempt at robbery.

- My uncle was k*lled.

- But who?

Captain Frémont thinks

the attack might have some...

political meaning.

I can only presume there are

people in your country

who did not wish me to reach

this meeting tonight.

Our little light

begins to dawn, señores.

I too was attacked

this afternoon.

I thought it was merely the bandits

who usually prey on rich hildagos.

I was carrying gold to

buy g*ns for our cause.

They way these bandits knew

that my gold represented g*ns

is the same way that they knew

that you, too, represented g*ns.

Well, they could have

saved themselves the trouble.

Gentlemen, you must

understand the United States

knows the value of California,

as do the English, the French,

and the Russians.

Naturally,

we're very pleased

that you wish annexation

of California to our country.

But, we cannot give

you physical aid.

Arms, ammunition, soldiers,

and a fleet to implement it.

Mexico is a neighbor

and a friend,

and by treaty, California

is Mexican territory.

My country will do nothing to

rupture relations with Mexico.

But señor

we are the people of California.

And we want the annexation.

Perhaps, señor Frémont is in

a position to say what, uh,

proposition the United States

would be willing to offer us

to, uh, well, to turn

California over to his country.

You misunderstood, señor Brios,

I did not come here to bargain.

I came to present

a few simple truths.

United States is not interested

in your revolutions,

or in your internal wars.

When you can show that a

majority of your people are

in favor of annexation,

my country will be willing

to discuss this thing further.

Now, gentlemen, if you'll

excuse me, I'm very tired.

My thanks, Fray Lindos.

You are either very stupid,

or very clever, Don Ernesto.

You're very stupid if you meant

what you said to señor Frémont.

You're very clever if you meant

to drive him from this room.

Well, which is it?

You question that

I am loyal to this party?

I question the integrity

of anything you do.

No, thank you.

Excuse me.

Ah, señorita,

You didn't like what happened

at the meeting, did you?

You're fit,

and ready for a fight.

Well, sometimes

the truth hurts.

He's a man of plain truths and

plain words, this señor Frémont.

And he's here?

Yes, he's here.

He will be dangerous,

Ernesto.

He's the only one who'll

fight for what he wants.

Take away the leader

from the mob,

there is no mob.

You must forgive me,

señorita.

I want only to tell you

how beautiful you are,

and instead I bore you

with politics.

Don Arturo!

I, for one, do not find your

talk of politics boring.

You chose the most inopportune

time to, uh, lose your memory,

and insult me before

your friends.

Here?

Yes.

Here and now.

I'm sorry. Amigo?

Have you had enough, señor?

Not until

I've run you through.

Don Fredo, you must...

you must stop them.

It is an affair

of honor, Padre.

I have no right.

Ernesto!

You can deal with me now,

Don Arturo.

Isn't one death enough,

señores?

What is it? What is happening?

Hold.

Take everything

you can carry.

Juan.Juan,

are you badly hurt?

It is nothing,

Don Arturo.

Like the sting of a bee.

That is all. It...

Quick, we've got to get

the horses out and escape.

There are no horses.

They've cut them loose.

But who are these bandits

who want only g*ns?

If I was to bet,

and I'll wager 5,000 pesos,

you find out who

tried to k*ll John Frémont.

Pop!

José Martinez.

What does it mean,

Arturo?

All this k*lling,

this stealing of weapons?

We wanted those g*ns to

prevent any foreign power

from trying to take

California by force,

but this José Martinez

seems to know all our plans

as quickly

as we make them.

Then he must be

in the pay of

one of these foreign

governments.

Yes, but which one?

We must find out,

and we must get the g*ns back.

Si,

but, how is this

to be done?

The men who staged

the raid tonight were peons.

Bandits.

We are taught that water

seeks its own level. So?

A peon among peons is not

a suspicious character.

He can come and go where

he chooses

with his mouth closed

and his eyes and ears open.

This José Martinez is the

key to the door of this mystery.

I must get that

key in my pocket,

and then find

the door that it opens.

YOU?

Why not?

But, Arturo,

it could mean your life!

I must ask you

two favors.

First that you keep

the gold here till I return.

Second that you pray for me

every day that I do return.

At least let someone

go with you to help.

Two makes twice

as big a target.

I shall pray for you, my son.

Come, I'll get your clothes.

We go slowly, amigo, in respect

of your venerable age.

Perhaps the fine air

of Monterey

will breathe new life

into your creaking bones, eh?

Well, a peon must have

a peon's horse.

It's a lonely life, amigo.

Too bad you don't play cards.

Well, perhaps

if you dream of hay,

and I dream of

señorita Lawrence,

the night will go

more quickly.

Buenas noches, amigo.

Come out

with your hands up.

I expect an argument,

but it won't do you any good.

You're wearing those

horrible pants again.

Special occasions, I have a long

dress that goes over these.

Where did you get

those eggs?

I swiped 'em.

I passed a ranch.

Chickens didn't mind.

Well,

what are you doing here?

I've been following you

for days.

That's a slow horse

you've got there.

Shh! Not so loud.

He's sensitive.

I'm going with you.

You're... But don't get the

idea that you and I...

What I mean is,

well, you're only to

think of me as a man.

I think of you only

as my grandmother.

That'll be fine, thanks.

When she talks,

she doesn't make sense either.

I don't understand

one word you are saying.

I'm going to get the man

that k*lled my father.

And you're going

to take me to him.

You are going

after this man?

I heard you talking to

Fray Lindos in the rectory.

You have other fish to fry,

but one fish will be for me.

Then you know my mission.

You must go back, Julia.

There's too much at stake.

With a woman along...

There was no one in the world

that knew more about g*ns

than my father.

Now that he's gone...

Well, I'm top man, now.

Julia, you are a very nice

girl, and a very good shot,

and beautiful,

even in these pants,

but I don't want

to see you hurt.

Look, lets get this straight.

I'm no concern of yours.

Man must have a little concern

for his grandmother, no?

Then we've nothing

to worry about.

I can take care

of myself.

Julia, I must find the g*ns

which were stolen.

If you insist on k*lling

this José Martinez...

We can take care of that

when the time comes.

My father always said,

"Don't start sh**ting till

you got something to sh**t at."

You are not

coming with me.

Oh?

Well, uh,

how would you like it if

I went around exposing the fact

that you're not a peon,

but Don Arturo Bordega.

You wouldn't!

Yes, you would.

Where do we go first?

The trail of Martinez

heads north.

We will go, asking questions

on the way.

Skunk like that,

we ought to just be able

to follow our noses.

You have a pretty

nose to follow.

But we will ask questions

just the same.

And I will do the asking.

You are too ready

to sh**t things.

No, no!

We may have soup sometime.

Ah.

Oh.

And they came charging down

on my farm like as Calvary,

yelling that they're

liberating me from sl*very,

and when I tell them

that I do not know

what they are talking about,

they hit me on the head

and liberate me from

my chickens and pigs.

They're wolves,

they're thieves!

You say they went in

the direction of Monterey?

Sí, sí, señor, but I would

like to tell them where to go.

Here, amigo.

For more chickens and pigs,

and our thanks to you.

Oh, gracias señor, gracias.

Well, here we are.

What do we do, now?

One thing first,

I am thirsty.

Looks good,

so am I.

Ladies do not go

in such places.

We've been asking questions

every day

for the last 300 miles.

I'm thirsty.

My throat's like the inside

of a barbeque pit.

I'm going in too.

That place looks better,

though.

The hotel, huh? Peons do not

go in hotels, mi Amiga.

My father always said,

"Little one, hitch your wagon

to a star." Fine star.

Anytime you want to unhitch,

señorita...

Come on, amigo,

I talk too much.

Good. It's the only way I can

tell you're really a woman.

Don Fredo!

Unexpected visitor. Monterey

is getting a little crowded.

We can't leave now,

Martinez must be around.

Did your father

ever say to you,

"The wise man who

wishes to hide

covers his face with

the mask of night?"

No.

No?

My father did.

Come.

We'll see to it that your

luggage is taken to your room,

Don Fredo.

Any news from Martinez?

None. He should

be here by tonight.

I'll be waiting

in my room.

Si, señor.

Horses all right?

Si, they are well-fed.

Hmm.

I don't what the

"hmm" is about,

but if you're wondering

about the dress,

I just did my laundry.

I had no choice.

Now, if whoever owns this barn

doesn't come snooping around,

we'll be all right.

It feels good

to relax.

You're tired?

Mmm.

You shouldn't have

done that, Arturo.

I know. It is just

you are beginning

to look less like my

grandmother.

But, you loved

your grandmother?

Oh, of course,

but in a different way.

Hmm. I guess that means

you love me too.

You tricked me,

señorita!

I didn't want

to say that.

We have no time

for love.

All right, then.

If we do have time,

we'll talk

about it again.

That's fair.

Mmm. Maybe we have

a little time now.

Papa always said,

"Julie, when you

do something, do it right."

There'll be a right time

to talk about it again.

Mmm.

We going to

Monterey tonight?

Might be better if

you stay here, my Julia.

We may have to move fast,

and there's only one fast horse.

Makes sense.

You better take this.

You have

a small waist.

It would fit nicely

in a man's arms.

Remember that, and don't

get yourself k*lled.

He's waiting

for you.

The second floor of

the hotel, room 26.

He's been here

since this afternoon.

Let him wait.

Sí, sí.

Adiós, amigo.

Now that your brother's dead,

Who's gonna be made

the new governor?

Well, that will be decided

after my conference up north.

Oh, maybe you, eh?

It will be good.

I'd like to make

a business for you.

Maybe you make me

a big government man.

Are you sure you were not followed

when you stored the g*ns?

I? Followed?

Nobody follows

José Martinez.

Good.

I shall be leaving, then.

Are you quite sure

all of your money is there?

I'm always sure, sir,

when I count it.

Put up your hands,

señor

Stand up.

Quick!

Take off your g*n belt.

Hurry, señor.

And be careful.

I sh**t very well.

Thank you.

It has been a pleasure

to do business with you, señor.

Don't follow

too closely.

Stop him!

- Arturo!

- Quick, inside,

- We're going to have company.

- Who?

- José Martinez.

- Martinez?

Give me the g*n.

I'll k*ll him.

No,no,no. He

thinks he's chasing me.

Thinks he is?

I thought he's

just out for a ride.

Say nothing. It is I,

Don Arturo Bordega,

who is chasing him.

Huh?

Come out, before I waste

my b*ll*ts on you.

See, already he's

extending an invitation.

Come out

with your hands up.

In a moment, señor.

But observe the window.

My wife, who's a very

good shot, might k*ll you.

So it might be better

if you put your hands up.

You think you can steal the

gold of José Martinez and live?

José Martinez?

Oh, please, señor, don't sh**t.

I will give you back your gold,

but please do not sh**t.

My wife here is

going to have a baby.

What?

Shh!

Señor Martinez,

I made a terrible mistake.

Your g*n, señor.

The g*n and your gold.

If I had but

known it was you.

If you know who I am,

it makes a difference?

Would I steal the gold

of José Martinez,

friend of the people?

Who, me?

"Friend of the people?"

Well, you are against

the American gringos, no?

You don't

like them, huh?

Señor, I work for them

in Yorba Buena

driving a delivery wagon,

so what happens?

They rob me of my salary.

Me, that's about

to become a family man.

Your wife,

she's not a Californian, no?

No, señor, but she's

a good woman, just the same.

We are going to have

14 children.

You think

José Martinez's gold

will help you to have

14 children?

It's just one of

the things, señor.

How you want to

make your living?

That is a problem.

I have always been

an honest man.

Now, maybe, I shall

have to steal.

Oh, no,

I give you a job.

You're riding

pretty well.

What about your wife?

She rides better

than I do, señor.

Well, she want to have...

Oh, that's all right.

This way, when he's born, he'll

already be a fine horseman.

Oh, I like that.

Now, let's go

to the best hideout

all over California.

To the hacienda

of Don Fredo Brios.

Go and get your things.

This is a fine mess

you've got us in to.

Well, how else

could we find out

what José Martinez

is going to do?

I should have shot him the

first time I laid eyes on him.

That's what you get

for getting to like a man.

You have to do things

the way he wants them.

All I can say is,

my father's watching now.

You better make sure

you really marry me.

Well, but of course,

my Julia,

if only for the sake

of our 14 children.

Now come kiss your

husband good night.

You stay on

your own side.

You know, I think maybe soon

we will know what they are

going to do with the g*ns

they stole from your father.

This is no small thing.

This is a well-organized plot

to terrorize my people.

You'd give a lot to be

an American, wouldn't you?

Si, my Julia.

Very much.

Hmm.

Maybe California

wouldn't be such a bad place

to raise 14 children

after all.

Hey, Pedro! Get up.

Come on, boys.

I got news.

I just come from the home

of our leader, Don Fredo.

He's going north,

for a very important conference.

He give me a list of a man

who wants to make California

part of the United States.

We must change their minds.

We will change them.

Juan Junipero, Alvarado

Sabrillo, Carlo Torrero,

Philipe Juaranez, Francisco

Valera, Enrique Sebastiano,

Arturo Bordega.

This Arturo Bordega,

he's the leader of these men.

He will die first.

Uh, senor,

I have been thinking.

You are already

becoming famous

as a friend of

the people of California.

Soon they will have

parades in your honor,

they will make

fine music and hang flags,

and they will shout,

"Viva José Martinez

friend of the people."

So far,

you're making sense.

But will the people

think of you as a friend

if so many men

are k*lled?

Well, then we only k*ll

Arturo Bordega.

Si, that's enough.

But the rest,

we burn their farms.

If they don't say,

"Viva José Martinez,"

- we cut they throats.

- Viva!

All right.

In the morning, we begin.

Go back to sleep.

I'll tell you this

Arturo Bordega,

he's a ghost.

He's not here!

We turned California

upside down,

and nobody see him.

Seems to me, senor,

we waste a great deal of time

looking for this one

insignificant insect.

This "insect" is the fly in the

soup of Don Fredo Brios, amigo.

What if does become governor

under Mexican rule?

A few months from now, someone

else will want to become governor.

There will be

another revolution,

Don Fredo will find

himself hanging

from the branch

of a tree.

You say you don't know

nothing about politics.

Believe me,

amigo, you don't.

No, señor.

You think Don Fredo Brios,

or José Martinez,

fight for the small stakes?

No, amigo.

When they have

new governor in Monterey,

we will not be under

the Mexican rule.

No?

But with big power,

many armies,

big w*r ships.

Oh, I did not know. I see...

Who is this big power, señor?

Oh...

forget about it.

The only thing you have

to do is cut off the throat

of this Arturo Bordega

in the next few days.

Ah.

Now, go and tell

your wife I'm hungry.

Perhaps my brother

was headstrong,

but, any rate, the duel

was unavoidable,

but not catastrophic

for the aims of

Princess Helena de Gagarine,

Count Russia, and the czar

of all the Russias.

The Czar has no territorial ends

in California.

Please remember that.

The people of this country

will have to choose

who will govern them.

Well, of course.

My methods simply help them

to choose correctly.

What of this

Don Arturo Bordega?

He has not yet

been found,

but a man who

continues to be absent

can hardly

do us any harm.

He's a rallying point

for the opposition.

He can always

do harm.

The matter will

be taken care of.

You say you have sufficient

arms and ammunition. Si.

Together, we have enough

arms, ammunition, men to

seize the city of Monterey.

There will be few

to oppose us.

José Martinez has

done his work well.

There is a fear in

the heart of everyone.

Very well,

Don Fredo.

The untimely death

of your brother was, uh,

unfortunate for him,

but most fortunate for you.

When we have Monterey,

you will be named governor.

You have my undying

gratitude, princess.

Your ranch is close

enough to Monterey?

Most

perfectly situated.

Make it your

headquarters.

Immediately following

the attack,

you'll be in the city

within an hour to

proclaim all of California

under Russian protection.

Good. We will leave at once.

Very well.

It will be nice to be

such a close neighbor

of the United States.

There, amigos, are your new

comrades in arms.

They dress like American

croppers and rancheros.

Smart, huh?

Here's the escort

to pick up the g*ns.

Without José Martinez

they wouldn't march at all.

Because without me,

they could never have

the proper implements

to establish a government.

g*ns, amigo, they are

proper implements for politics.

Now, we go back to the camp,

and wait for the orders.

Soon we'll meet

those fine soldiers alone.

I'm going to start

an argument with you.

Be very angry.

I'll explain later.

What are you

cooking in there?

Old saddles? What's

wrong with my cooking?

Everything!

Everything?

You used to like my cooking,

and now you do nothing

but complain.

Can't a man complain when

he's being poisoned every day?

"Poisoned?"

"Poisoned," he says.

I burn my hands aver that

pot to give him something to eat,

and he says I poison him!

The stew might taste better

if you kept your hands

out of it.

Why, you overstuffed beetle!

Maybe the stew would taste

better with your gizzard in it!

Don't overdo it.

Hey, un momento,

Chiquita.

Why?

Hey, wait a minute,

what kind of

a girl you marry?

You are right. Instead

of building her a house,

I should

build her a cage.

That stew had perfectly

good meat in it.

Wait, wait.

Go back to your cooking.

And you, come over

before she k*ll you.

Saddle cooker!

The argument gives

you reason to leave.

Warn Monterey, my Julia.

Tell them to send messengers

the length of California.

Somewhere there must be men

with courage enough to fight.

Gold. You will need it

to take care of yourself.

What about you

if I leave?

Soon as I find out

where the g*ns are,

I will be with you,

again.

Be careful

getting there.

When I am with

a sentry, go.

I could not sleep.

With a wife like that,

one should not argue.

She's a pretty

good fighter, eh?

Some day,

you will wake up dead.

Oh, on a night like this,

one should not speak of dying.

The night wears its stars

the way a woman

wears her jewels.

You take the stars,

I will take the jewels.

Uh, cigarillo?

Pedro, go get her.

Andele, burros.

I told you,

he was sh**ting at my wife.

She was running away

because of the argument.

You saw it.

So?

Oh!

You get your wife back.

So, you wanted to leave me, eh?

You wanted to leave

the best husband a woman

could ever find, eh?

She had this with her, José.

And it has much gold.

Where did

she get it?

How should I know?

She stole it, probably.

Well?

Yes, I stole it.

You see?

Oh, let me see.

You run away, have gold,

you hit Fernando.

You think Martinez

have a mind of a child?

Cut him off.

Igna'cio, the bull whip.

Si.

Maybe he talks.

The bull whip.

Ain't that the truth, eh José?

Give old camarad

a taste.

José Martinez.

"Hero of the people."

You fool.

They think you're a

m*rder*r, with the mind of a pig.

Julia.

Put your hands up,

all of you.

Now, cut him loose.

So a woman gets

in the way, huh?

One more step, Martinez,

and you'll know just

how my father felt.

Your father?

The one you stole

the g*ns from.

The one you m*rder*d.

There's nothing to sh**t, lady.

We will never tell you

where the g*ns are.

Now, cut him loose.

Now, you lgna'cio,

where are the g*ns?

I do not know.

Now maybe you know?

No!

The next one

will be higher.

Si, the cellar of

Don Fredo Brios.

Julia, get the list

from Martinez's pocket.

Take the list and notify

each of the men.

That escort must never

reach the g*ns.

Bring all the help you can to

the hacienda of Don Fredo Brios.

Hurry, querida.

Now, turn all around,

all of you.

Throw your g*ns

into the bushes.

Do not try to be brave, amigos,

I sh**t very straight.

And now, amigos, Don Arturo

Bordega bids you "Adiós."

"Arturo Bordega?"

Fernando, take your men.

Go to our friends, the Russians,

and tell them they must hurry

to pick up the g*ns. Quick.

Si, lgna'cio.

Muchachos.

We will cut through the ravine,

and get to the hacienda

before him.

Governor Alvarado,

ever since this

José Martinez

has been raiding our ranches,

we've been trying to find him.

Now we find that he's up here

in the vicinity of Monterey.

We brought a small force

of men with us,

but it is not enough to search

the entire area.

We want troops to help us.

But I have no troops,

señores.

There is only one regiment,

many hundreds of miles away.

In Baja California.

And you leave

the capitol unguarded?

There you have it, amigos.

The more of this

kind of government we get,

the more we are sure

we need a change.

- Señores!

- Governor!

Let her in, Carlos!

Oh, it's good to see you,

señores.

I didn't mean

to interrupt,

but Don Bernardo,

Arturo is in trouble.

A Russian force is marching to

the estate of Don Fredo Brios.

Brios!

My father's g*ns that were

stolen are stored

in the cellar of

Don Fredo Brios.

He was the spy among us,

he knew all our plans.

But these Russians...

They'll take the g*ns

to an army,

waiting to attack

Monterey.

Arturo will try to stop

them, but he's all alone.

Oh, our force is a small one,

but we'll do all we can.

Come, señores,

we'll go and find some help.

I dare say this is the most

pleasant protectorate

we've ever established.

Thanks to your excellent planning

and hospitality, Don Fredo.

I believe that you will find

California's hospitality

second only to its

natural resources, princess.

Our mining engineers are

already on their way here. Oh.

You think of everything.

The escort will reach my ranch

in another hour or so,

There should also be word

from José Martinez.

Everything goes well.

To the Czar,

who has no territorial

ambitions in California.

Alfredo!

I have bad news.

José Martinez is dead.

He what?

k*lled by a woman, señor.

The daughter of this man,

Sam Lawrence.

She's going to Monterey

to give them warning.

And even now, Arturo Bordega

is on his way here to stop us.

So, it is

Arturo Bordega again.

Post your men

around the hacienda.

See that no one

enters the grounds.

Si, señor.

Your hospitality is

still excellent, Don Fredo,

but I begin to worry

about your planning.

You will keep sharp eyes.

You will let no one come in.

All right, Vamos.

You seem frightened,

Don Fredo.

I don't like trouble.

Governor Alvarado has

no troops in Monterey,

and surely you don't think

that this one man, Bordega,

can stop us now.

When your troops are armed

and on their way to Monterey,

then I will

stop worrying.

You drink too much wine,

my friend.

It has taken the place

of your blood.

Carlos.

Si?

Arturo Bordega.

You will talk

more quietly, señor,

or you will not talk at all.

Now we will pay our

respects to Don Fredo.

We cannot...

Shh, shh.

The princess

is there.

You forget that

I have an invitation.

Si.

Put your hands down.

Remember one wrong move...

Whatever it is you

are going to do,

señor, you will not

come out alive.

We will both take

our chances. Move.

However, the situation

can become more... lgna'cio!

Say only what

I've told you.

Don Fredo,

the soldiers are here.

Perhaps it is time

to move out the g*ns.

Thank heavens!

You see, Don Fredo, you live

too much in the shadow of fear.

I heard nothing.

Where are they?

They are camping

in the outer pasture.

Move the g*ns out,

Governor Brios.

You can argue

with your man later.

This is the moment,

my husband.

Don Fredo!

I could have k*lled you, señor,

but you are still of use.

In the cellar.

Quick.

Faster, faster.

Take a seat, amigo.

No, no, no.

Over there.

Then you will discourage anyone

from sh**ting into the cellar.

Don Fredo!

I bring help!

No, do not bring anyone!

And do not let anyone

sh**t down here.

It might hit

the powder.

There is nothing

we can do.

The whole place

would blow up.

Stupid fool.

Must leave here, quick.

Thank you, amigo.

I can get used

to anything?

Now we just sit

and wait for the authorities.

And we drink some wine.

Take cover among the rocks,

the trees, or anything.

Senorita, no Russian soldiers

will get near those g*ns now.

But what of Arturo?

I don't know

if he's alive.

But I'll find out.

Julia!

Wait, Julia!

Junipero, you and Sabrillo and

Sorena follow Miss Julia.

She might need help.

Find 'em.

Come on!

I don't know

who you are,

but if you live here,

you must mean trouble.

You wouldn't dare!

Lady, this g*n will sh**t anybody.

It's not particular.

Watch these two, will you?

I have to find Arturo.

Si, señorita.

I demand my rights.

I am the Princess

Helena of Gagarine.

Shut up, your highness.

Andele, C'mon.

Señores!

We have come to escort

you to Brios' Hacienda.

We must hasten. It is more

than a mile to the east.

Forward, h*!

I don't know how long

we can keep this up.

We're running

out of powder.

Oh, Arturo,

you're safe!

Stop waving that p*stol,

querida, or you'll be

a widow before

you're a wife.

Our men are down at

the bottom of the hill,

but the Russians

have us outnumbered.

I think we can even

things up. Watch here.

What are you

gonna do with that?

Sprinkle it on their tail?

No, we will send it to them

with our best wishes.

They're going to try.

This is a good time

to start praying, amigos.

Push,querida.

If this keg goes up

while we're still pushing,

I want you to know

I love you.

Soon there'll be a ship

bound for Russia

with many passengers.

"No territorial ambitions."

You know this is a good

time to start thinking

about those

14 children.

First,

we'll get married.

Of course, my Julia.

You father always said,

"When you do something,

do it right."