[ theme music playing ]
What the devil
are you doing?
Layin' a trail of powder,
that's what I'm doin'.
What's inside there?
The rest of the powder.
You mean you're
deliberately gonna--
It's my shack, yeah?Well, yeah.
Man, you'd better
get out of here.
When that goes off,
it's gonna make
a powerful loud bang.
Any particular reason?Yeah.
I finally got smart.
You know what today is?
40 miserable years ago,
I set out prospecting
to make a fortune
for myself.
40 years wasted
lookin' for gold.
What did I finally
wind up with?
Half a keg
of blastin' powder
and that crummy shack.
Well, I'm gettin' rid
of both of 'em together.
Then I'm goin' into town
to get myself an honest job.
You don't have
to blow it up.
You can sell the shack.
To who?
Who'd buy it?
Somebody dumb enough
to think there's gold
in these hills.
That ain't likely.
That ain't likely
at all.
Well, you'd better
take cover.
I'm gonna
set her off now.
Looks like there was
a little more left
than I thought!
Whew!
Hey! Hey!
You all right?
You hurt bad?
You take it easy.
I'll get some water,
and we'll--
Gold!
[ laughs ]
All these years, I've been
sittin' on pure gold!
[ laughing ]
[ train whistle blowing ]
Howdy there, Judge.Good afternoon.
I guess you don't
remember me.
I'm J. Jimerson Jones.
You let me sleep
in your bunkhouse
about eight years back.
I was prospecting
through that way.
Oh. Yes, yes.
How you been, Judge?
Well...fine,
thank you.
Um...
Your daughter?Yes.
Sure has grown up.
This is Mr. Jones,
Betsy.
How do you do?
I'm doin' fine,
Miss Betsy.
You, uh, traveling far?
Chicago.
Now, don't that beat all?
That's where I'm headin'.
Oh. Well...
Expect you've
been there before.
Yes.
Up to now, Medicine Bow
is the biggest town
I ever been in.
Oh? Well...
But I'm gonna make up
for lost time.
Where you stayin'
in Chicago?
I always stay
at the Palmer House.
Oh, yeah? Good house?
Good board?
Clean beds?
No critters in 'em?
About the best
you can find.
Well, that's good
enough for me.
I'll see you later,
Judge.
He seems like a nice,
friendly person.
We have a nice
two-bedroom and parlor
suite for you, Judge.
That'll be fine.
[ hits bell ]
Front boy!
Suite 506.Yes, sir.
If you'll just
follow me, sir.
JONES: Quit botherin' me!
Don't bother me!
Let go of that,
you thieving varmint, you!
What kind of town is this?
This is a den of thieves.
Must be one to a hundred
tried to steal this bag on me.
Can I help you?
You Mr. Palmer?
What did you wish to
see Mr. Palmer about?
I want to get fixed up
for room and board.
I handle those things.
Do you have a reservation?
What do you mean,
a reservation?
What do you think I am,
a danged Injun?
I'm sorry. We have
nothing available.
What do you mean?
I can't stay here?
That's right, sir.
Perhaps if you tried
something on the, uh...
other side of town.
Mr. Jones?
Surely you must have
something for my friend.
Perhaps if I spoke
to the manager?
I believe we have
a vacancy after all.
If you'll just sign
the register.
[ hits bell ]
Front boy.
Let go of it!
You got a place
to store valuables?
We have a safe, sir.
All right.
Tuck that in there,
will you?
Sir, how--
how much is in there?
Oh, I don't know.
20,000, 25,000,
give or take
a few hundred.
Don't you want a receipt?
What do I want
a receipt for?
He seen me
give it to you.
Hey, Judge. Let's go.
Hey, Miss Betsy.Hello.
We all gonna be
in this tiny
little room?
It's not a room,
it's an elevator.
A what?
Elevator. It takes us
up to our floor.
Now, Judge,
just because
I'm a greenhorn,
you shouldn't be
tellin' stories
like that.
Who ever heard of
a room goin' up?
Grab leather, Judge!
She's startin' to buck!
Come this way, please.
This way, sir.
You know, Judge,
that's--
that was
some experience.
[ laughs ]
Before you leave,
I want to thank you
for gettin' me
in here.
You don't know
what it means to me
to go first class
after all these years
of tryin' to scrounge
a meal here
and a meal there.
From the look of
your bankroll downstairs,
it looks like
you struck it rich.
Oh, yeah, real rich.
After prospecting
all these years--
40, to be exact--
that old mountain
opened up its heart,
and it was pure gold.
You wouldn't think so
to look at me, though,
would you?
I've been so busy
tryin' to make a deal
for that mine,
I haven't had any chance
to buy any new duds.
I'm gonna
buy some now, though.
From now on, it's gonna
be nothin' but the best.
Well, I'll see you.
Will there be
anything else, sir?
No, that'll
be fine.
Thank you, sir.
What were you
and Mr. Jones
talking about?
Mr. Jones.
Where'd he get
all that money?
Seems to have found
a gold mine.
How wonderful.
Where are you going?Shopping.
Already?
What do you mean, already?
We've been here
almost an hour.
I won't be long.
Will that be all, sir?
Yes, sir, that'll be
just dandy.
You sure you haven't
forgotten something?
No, not a thing.
Oh, sorry, son.
Didn't mean
to be unfriendly.
[ knock on door ]
[ knocking ]
Tighe, of the InterOcean.
To what do I owe
this pleasure?
Why, the interest
of our readers
in the wild
and wooly West, Judge.
You, um...you do
pretty well for yourself.
You're
a newspaperman, huh?
Yes. Assistant
city editor.
Oh, well, then...
I'm deeply honored.
We understand you're
quite a big man in--
what's the name
of that place?
Medicine Bow.Yes.
Sounds like something
you take with a spoon.
That's in Montana?
Wyoming.
Hmm. Wyoming.
Wyoming.
Tell me, Judge...
what is your business
in the big city?
I'm afraid
that's confidential.
Oh, now, Judge,
come on, unbelt.
Play along with us,
we'll give you
a nice, big spread
on the back page
of something you can
take back
and show
the home folks, huh?
Come on, give us
a nice statement.
Very well. Mister--
What do you say
your name was?
Tighe.
T-I-G-H-E.
Tighe. Sounds like
something you do
with a rope.
[ chuckles ]
About that statement.
All right. Suppose we say
something like this.
Chicago impresses me
for its leadership
in meat-packing,
railroading,
and for the sheer,
brassy impudence
of its cub reporters.
And if one specimen
of the tribe
isn't out of here
in two seconds,
I shall not be held
responsible for
the consequences.
Now, now, wait, Judge.
Out!
[ chuckles ]
That's right, son.
You're gettin'
the hang of it.
How'd you make out?
Oh, like getting
caught in a bear trap.
Thanks anyway
for the tip.
TIGHE: Oh, miss?
I believe
you dropped this.
I don't think I--
That's a man's
handkerchief.
So it is.
You dropped that
yourself.
Seemed like a good way
to open a conversation.
Don't be angry.
It was the only way
I could think of--
I'm sorry, but it
just didn't work.
You can at least
let me carry your
packages for you.
No.
What more
do I have to do?
You have to be
introduced to me.
All right.
My name is Eddie Tighe
of the Chicago
InterOcean.
What's that?
It's a newspaper.
You a newspaperman?Sure.
What's your name?
I won't tell you.
Where do you think
you're going?Up.
Are you following me?
That's the general idea.
Will you please
stop following me?
On one condition.What's that?
That you'll permit me
to call on you.
How will I explain
to my father
how I met you?
Don't worry about it.
I'm a newspaperman.
It's my business
to meet people.
Very well.
You'll meet him now.
Uh, 506?
Your father's name
wouldn't be Garth,
would it?
How did you know?
Don't--
Don't do that.
Why not?
The door's locked.
I forgot my key.
I just remembered
I have a very important
appointment.
With the President.The President?
I'll see you later.
I gotta go now.
Excuse me!
Oh! Young men.
I thought
I heard voices.
So did I.
Well...
that must've cost
a pretty penny.
Hey! What are you doin'
with them boots?
What are you doing
running around
in your underwear?
It's my room. I got
a right to run around
any way I want.
What are you
doin' here anyway?
I work here.Doin' what?
Giving out towels
and washrags
to rich men
who should be out
workin' for a living
instead of running
around their hotel rooms
in their underwear.
Well, why should I work?
I'm a rich man!
Because you'd be
better--
Get out of here.
Let me get dressed.
Gladly.
Do you have
a reservation, sir?
Oh, what's the matter
with everybody?
First that fella
back at the counter.
Now you. Just because
I'm from out west,
does that mean I have
to have a reservation?
I beg your pardon--
It's all right,
I ain't sore.
What's the grub
for tonight?
Here, sir.
I didn't come to read.
I come to eat.
It's all
in there, sir.
Oh? You mean you--
you can cook up
anything I want?
Yes, sir, we pride
ourselves on--
Tell you what.
I'd like somethin' fancy.
Somethin' you don't
carry on the back of
a burrow
in the middle
of the desert.
I'd like some--
Well, here.
Bring me one of
them there oysters.
One oyster?
You heard me. One.
Yes, sir.
One oyster.
One.
Is everything all right?
Fine, thank you,
Auguste.
Except for one
small detail.
How are you going
to pay for all this?
By signing the bill.
And at the end
of the month,
when it comes time
to settle up?
Something will
turn up by then.
It always does.
But let's don't waste
this excellent dinner
arguing about trifles
All right.
Let's stick to
important problems.
Like...when are you
gonna marry me?
Heh. Well, I'm afraid
that would never work,
because, you see,
I wouldn't like
having to visit
my husband in jail.
Well, what would
you suggest?
That I get a job
as a ribbon clerk?
Ribbon clerks seldom
have to go to prison.
Ribbon clerks
can't afford
your tastes, either.
Let's face it, Julia.
Neither one of us
could stand being poor.
How much money
do you have?
I told you--
that's only temporary.
As soon as I find
a nice, plump pigeon--
One of these days, one of
your nice, plump pigeons
will coo to the police,
and you're going to
fly away for five
to ten years.
Don't be
so self-righteous.
You work the same side
of the street.
Lady confidence workers
seldom go to prison.
You see, jurors are
much too susceptible.
Julia, I swear.
Let me pull
one good job.
Oh.
And I'll give it up.
Stop daydreaming.
You know you've been
saying that for years.
Well, you have.
Your oyster, sir.
Mrs. Palmer, she don't
set a very big table,
does she?
Sir?
If I may suggest, sir--
the usual procedure
is to swallow it whole.
I know, I know.
I just forgot.
Well, here goes.
Down the hatch.
Uh...
that don't stick very close
to your bones, does it?
Perhaps a nice lobster
would be more filling?
Yeah, yeah, bring me
a dozen of them.
How many?
You heard me.
Bring me a dozen lobsters.
Yes, sir.
Your lobster, sir.
Mean lookin' cuss,
ain't he?
What are all
these fellas for?
They brought the other 11
you ordered, sir.
Must be someone
very important.
Or very hungry.
Would you like them
one at a time
or all at once, sir?
Well, I was expecting
some friends.
I guess they ain't comin'.
I'll tell you what you do.
You take them there lobsters
and give 'em to all the other
people here in the room.
The compliments
of J. Jimerson Jones.
Yes, sir.
Well, you heard
the gentleman.
Just what is
going on here?
The gentleman
over there
would like you each
to have a lobster
with the compliments
of J. Jimerson Jones.
In the first place,
we just finished dinner,
and don't wish lobster
for dessert.
In the second place,
I don't know any
J. Jimerson Jones.
Who is he?
I took the liberty
of checking with
the desk
when he gave
his order.
It appears he discovered
recently a gold mine...
somewhere out west.
Apparently
it's his first taste
of civilization.
On second thought,
Auguste,
we'd be delighted
to accept Mr. Jones'
lobsters.
Uh, yes. And, um...
send over
a magnum of champagne
with our compliments.
Yes.
I can begin to hear
those wedding bells
already.
No use puttin' it off
any longer.
You gotta wake up
sometime.
What are you
doin' here?
I ain't used
all the towels
you left yesterday.
Open up and swallow.
I will not.
[ coughs ]
What was that?Good for what ails you.
Best thing in the world for
a millionaire's complaint.
What's that?Carousing.
How do you feel?Terrible.
How long
have you been here?
Ever since four bellboys
carried you off the elevator
two hours ago.
I must've had one whale
of a good time.
How would you know?
The way I feel, I had
to have a good time.
Oh! Don't do that!
My eyes!
Serves you right.
You ought to be
ashamed of yourself.
Swellin' around all night,
drinkin' wine
out of ladies' slippers.
I never done
nothin' like that.
There's always a first time.
You'll get around to it
sooner or later.
They all do.
How come you know so much
about millionaires?
I seen enough of 'em
around here.
What have you got
against money?
Mostly the people
that's got it.
Well, I'll have you know
that I earned
the money I got.
Ha!
What do you mean, ha?
I heard how you got rich.
Found a gold mine.
That's work!
You ever done
any prospecting?
Where would I do
any prospecting
around Chicago?
Well, are you just
gonna lay there
in bed all day?
Why don't you get up
and go out
and breathe
some fresh air?
'Cause you got my pants,
that's why.
Millionaires.
I have some business
downtown.
Tonight we'll find
a new place for dinner.
That'll be fine.
You all right?
Not off your feed,
are you?
No, Daddy.
I'm just fine.
Well...
see you tonight.
Bye.
Whoa! Easy, Judge.
I'm breakable
this morning.
What happened to you?
I listened to the owl
and looked at
the elephant last night.
Yeah?
You gonna ride
in that thing?
Well--
I'll see you later.
Why, Mr. Jones.
Oh, good morning.
How are you feeling?
Like I was
kicked in the head.
Oh.
What kind of stuff
was in that bottle
you sent over?
I'm afraid it wasn't
that bottle that caused
the trouble.
You know,
it was the other three
you ordered after that.
Three?Mm-hmm.
Oh, it turned into
quite a party.
Everyone thought
you were so gallant
when you drank a toast
from my slipper.
I did?Mm-hmm.
Oh, but you do that
all the time.
Oh, no, I don't.Oh, come, now.
A man as worldly
and sophisticated as you?
Oh, but I must be
keeping you.
I know you're
a busy man.
I was going out
to take a walk,
breathe some fresh air,
get rid of these cobwebs.
Well, what a
delightful idea.
May I come with you?
Yeah, sure.
If it's all right
with your fella.
Fella? Fella...
Oh, Duncan?
Oh, we're just old friends.
There's no romantic
involvement there, no.
He's a little too young
for my taste.
I prefer
a more mature man.
Shall we go?Yeah.
[ knock on door ]
Yes? Oh--Hi! Wait a minute!
You have some nerve
coming back here
after the way
you behaved yesterday.
I had things to do.
Can I come in?No!
My father isn't here.
That wouldn't be proper.
Well, I want to see you.
You'll have to come back
when my father's here.
Do we have to go
through all of that--
meeting your father?
Of course.
Why don't you want
to meet my father?
What if he
doesn't like me?
My father is not
the type of a man
that takes
an unreasonable
dislike to strangers.
How do you know that?
You've never been
a stranger to him.
Don't be silly.
If you want to
see me again,
you'll have to come back
tonight and be properly
introduced.
Couldn't we just
go take a walk?
No! No!
Yes. This is
the original--
100% guaranteed satisfaction,
or your money back.
A real hick--
and he's loaded.
How loaded?
He's got
his own gold mine.
I checked on it.
They say the gold's
laying right out there
on the surface.
Where is he now?
Julia's working on him.[ laughs ]
Now, there's
a smart girl.
Why she ever hooked up
with a penny ante
grifter like you,
I don't know.
Probably because
she loves me.
Besides, I've made
my scores.
Just because a few deals
went sour--
This one better not.
You mean you'll
go in on it?
Bring him down here
tonight.
I'll take a look
at him.
You pay for
the drinks.
How do you like it?
I bought it yesterday.
It's, uh--
It's lovely.
Isn't it
a little, uh--
It's the latest thing.
Oh.
Well, perhaps a little
tulle here and there.
Oh, Daddy,
I'm sick and tired
of having a little tulle
here and there.
It's perfect
just the way it is.
Is there an occasion
that goes with
the dress?
There might be.Oh?
I met a boy.
When?
We just got here.
Yesterday.
How?
Well...
I met him
in the lobby.
You mean
he just came up--
No, not exactly.
Who is this boy?
Why haven't I met him?
You will...I think.
What do you mean?
Either I meet him or you
don't see him again.
That's just what
I told him.
And?
He seems to be afraid
that you'll be prejudiced
against him.
Nonsense!
I'm a reasonable man.
I don't make
snap judgments!
[ knock on door ]Maybe that's him.
"He", not "him".
Let's not quibble
about my grammar.
I'm not quibbling. I--
And, Daddy, would you
please remember to
smile at him?
Because sometimes
you look very cross
and you don't
mean to be.
All right.
Hello, Eddie.
You?!
[ voice breaks ]
Yes, sir.
Don't squeak.
Daddy, you promised.
I said I wouldn't make
any snap judgments.
This is no snap judgment!
Sir, if you will
let me explain
about the other day--
Go ahead.
Well...
I guess I was kind of
obnoxious and--
Well, maybe we both
made a mistake.
Yes, sir.
I mean, that is, uh--
I--I made the mistake.
You had a perfect right
to throw me out.
I wish I knew
what you two were
talking about.
Just a little
misunderstanding.
Come in, sit down.
Make yourself
at home.
Daddy?What?
I think that Eddie
probably has other plans
for tonight.
Oh?
Yes, sir. Dr. Packman
is lecturing
at the Athaneum--
on the holy land.
Illustrated with
magic lantern slides.
And I thought that
Betsy would like to go.
Well, that sounds
all right.
Oh, thank you, Daddy.
Just, uh...
get her back
at a reasonable hour.
Yes, sir.
Good night, Daddy.Good night.
What wasn't as bad
as all that, was it?
Worse.
Fathers.[ laughs ]
Oh, wait! Wait up!
Mr. Jones, why don't
you tell Duncan
how you discovered
your gold mine?
Well, it's like I was
tellin' Julia.
Everybody said there was
no gold in that mine,
but I just knew there was.
So I just kept workin',
year in and year out,
never lost faith.
I beg your pardon.
Julia, isn't that
General Casswell
over there?
It certainly is.
What's he doing
in Chicago?
Something big,
whatever it is.
You can bet on that.
What is he,
a big g*n or something?
Haven't you heard
of General Casswell?
What's he do?
General Pierpont
J. Casswell is--
Well, he's the biggest
manipulator on the market.
Why ain't he in jail?
[ laughs ]
Oh, Mr. Jones,
you are refreshing.
[ laughs ]
General Casswell
in jail! Ha ha!
Some people might agree
with Mr. Jones.
The fact remains,
he's made fortunes
for himself
and his associates.
I tell you, it's worth
a fortune to anyone
who can get on the inside
track with the General.
You don't say?
It's worth a small fortune
just to know from
day to day
whether he is
bull or bear.
You mean he changes
back and forth?
One day a bull,
the next a bear.
[ laughs ]
Mr. St. John,
I've known some mighty
talented liars in my time.
I knew Samuel Clemens,
and he was no slouch.
I shook the hand
of Bill Nye,
and he was no slouch,
either.
But when you tell me that
a fella can change himself
from a bull to a bear
from one day to the next,
I gotta take
my hat off to him.
He is not only
a talented liar,
but he is
the most gifted liar
that ever gladdened
the heart of any man.
Duncan, I don't think
he understands.
Oh, I knew a Crow Injun
who said he could
change himself into
a white buffalo,
but even he allowed it'd
take him a week to do it in.
It's, um--
It's a stock market term,
Mr. Jones.
Bulls buy, bears sell.
Oh, well...
why didn't you tell me?
You like to
have me fooled.
[ all laugh ]
Duncan, you know
General Casswell,
don't you?
Not closely.
He was associated
with my uncle once.
Made a fortune
for the old boy.
He's coming this way.
Why don't you
talk to him?
Oh, he wouldn't
remember me.
It might do you
some good.
You've got my terms,
and that's my last word.
Bring in 10 million before
the market opens tomorrow,
and I'll let your
syndicate off the hook.
Not another word, sir.
My decision is final.
General Casswell.
Please, not now,
young man.
I have nothing
to say to the press.
Perhaps you don't
remember me, sir.
Duncan St. John.
Oh, Colonel St. John's
nephew.
Yes, sir.
You must forgive me.
You were only
a youngster the last
time we met.
How is the dear
old colonel?
Very well, sir.
He mentions you frequently.
Yes, we trimmed
a great many smart boys
in our time.
He's a fine man.
Oh. May I present
Miss Julia Montgomery?
How do you do?
It's my pleasure.
And this is Mr. Jones.
He's in mining.
How do you do,
Mr. Jones?
How do you do, sir?
I must be off.
Give my regards
to your uncle.
I certainly will, sir.
Good-bye. It was
nice to meet you.
Thank you.
He's a nice fella.
He can be,
if he likes you.
If he doesn't,
watch out.
What's that?
The General
must've dropped it.
Better check to make sure
it belongs to him.
Yes, it's his,
all right.
Yeah.
Hey.
Good heavens.
There must be...
$5,000 there.
Yeah. Well,
you'd better take it
and give it back to him.
No, sir. I wouldn't
take the responsibility
of carrying that around.
You found it.
Why don't you put it
in the hotel safe,
and then,
in the morning,
both of you can
return it to his office.
That's a good idea.
To Mr. Jones.
Eddie, do you think
it's all right for us
to be here?
Betsy, this is a place
of high moral entertainment.
It's patronized by
some of the leaders
of arts and letters
in Chicago.
See that fella there?
That's Eugene Field.
The guy with him
is James Whitcomb Riley.
"When the frost is
on the pumpkin,
and the corn
is in the shock"?
That's the one.
I guess if it's
all right for them,
it's all right for us.
You bet it is.
Thank you.
Oh, waiter?
How are you, Countess?
You know her?
A newspaper man
knows everyone.
It's his business.
She's very pretty.
It's her stock
and trade.
Forget it.
There's our table.
Come on.
What's that fella
call you?
I don't know.
Probably mistook me
for someone else.
Well...
It must be fascinating
meeting all the famous
people that you do.
You get used to it.
There's just like
anybody else to me.
[ sighs ]
Well, it's late, but...
I sure had fun.
Oh, well, we'll have to
do it again sometime.
Oh, I hope so.
Betsy?Yes, Eddie?
You know, sometimes
a girl kisses a fella
when he brings her
home from a date?
She does?
Sure. All the time.
But not from
the first date.
Good night, Eddie.
Hi.
It was a very
interesting lecture.
If you don't mind,
though,
I'm very tired.
Good night, Daddy.
Good night, Betsy.
What is it?
May I come in?
Yes.
Daddy?
I have to tell you--
Well, we didn't go
to a lecture
on the holy land.
We went to a cafe
called the Red Mill.
Who's idea was that?
Eddie's.
But it really
wasn't a bad place.
It was wonderful.
But I couldn't
go to sleep without
telling you.
I'm glad you did.
Good night, Daddy.
It's right busy,
ain't it?
One of the best
brokerage houses
in town.
There isn't a man here
that isn't worth
at least a million.
You don't say?
Oh, General?
General Casswell?
Oh, please,
not now, St. John.
I'm very busy.
General, Mr. Jones
found something that
belongs to you.
What do you mean?
Wallet's got
your name on it.
Bless my soul! It is!
Oh, thank goodness
for this.
Did, uh...
either of you gentleman
read this memo
that was in my wallet?
What kind of
a sheep-stealin' coyote
do you think I am?
I apologize, sir.
It's just that if this had
gotten into the wrong hands,
it could've
cost me a fortune,
a considerable fortune.
By George, Mr. Jones.
I don't know how
to reward you.
Shucks, General.
It wasn't nothin'.
Perhaps you'd like
to show him around
the market, sir.
It's all very strange
to Mr. Jones.
Excellent.
I'll go you one better.
It's not much fun
watching the race
without having a bet down.
Mr. Jones, would you like
to take a little flyer?
I guarantee you,
you won't lose a cent,
and you might
make some money.
Honest Injun?
Could I get in,
General?
Of course. You have
any pocket money?
$3,000, $4,000?
Pocket money?
Well, whatever you have.
Well...I've got
a couple hundred--
Give it to me.Whoa.
I've got a couple
hundred, General.
I'll call.
All right, gentlemen.
I'm going to put you
on Consolidated.
Watch it on the tape.
I'll buy when it drops
below three,
and sell
when it reaches six.
Come along.
Hmm. What's that
there machine for?
It lists the latest
quotations on every stock.
I can't pronounce
them words.
Those are abbreviations.
Oh. Here we are.
Consolidated. 2 1/2.
I just made a buy order
of Consolidated in your names.
What happens now?
We wait until
it reaches six.
How do you know
it's going to six?
Heh. Well...
it's my business
to know those things.
It's starting to move.
4 1/4. 5.
Say, that is
a right clever
machine, ain't it?
It hit six!
Cartwright!
Sell 200 Consolidated
at the market.
There's no sense in having
to wait for the paperwork.
We can take care
of things right now.
If you'll just follow me.
There you are,
gentlemen.
$480 profit apiece.
You always
make money that easy?
Oh, a mere trifle, sir.
A favor for a friend.
Of course, if you want
to make a big k*lling...
How much?
Oh, $100,000. $200,000.
But it would require
a large investment.
Well, how much?
Shall we say $50,000?
You mean to say
if I give you $50,000,
I get $250,000 back?
A conservative
estimate, yes.
You'll probably
make much more.
Well, General,
I'd like to take
a go at it.
But I just can't.
No, it's against
my principles.
I couldn't take
that kind of money
unless I did something
to earn it.
It's been a pleasure
knowing you, General.
A real pleasure.
You comin', St. John?
Uh, later.
All right, all right,
shut it down!
We're all through, boys.
Sucker threw the hook.
I'll pay you off later.
[ men groan ]
St. John...
where do you think
you're going?
Cost me $1,000 just to
open this store.
How am I gonna
get it back from you?
In money...
or in blood?
Money, Cass.
We'll get back
every penny you invested
and a profit to boot.
I guarantee you.
Looks like this is
your lucky night,
Mr. Jones.
Yeah, looks like it,
don't it?
How about raising
the ante...
just to make the game
more interesting?
Fine with me.
You name it.
Whatever you gentlemen want,
it's all right with me.
That's the spirit.
The sky's the limit.
I'll open for 200.
MAN: I pass.
Well, just to keep
the game honest,
gentlemen...
I'll raise 500.
Well, I like to win
just as much as
the other fella,
but I couldn't
do this to you.
It'd be like takin'
candy from a baby.
Well, here you are.
Four aces.
Wouldn't be right
takin' your money that way.
Well, gentlemen,
I'll call it a night.
I enjoyed the game.
Good night.
Good night, Julia.
Good night.
A real 100% guaranteed-
to-get-your-money-back
pigeon.
That's what he said.
Excuse me, my dear.
We prime him,
let him win,
we deal him a pat hand
of four aces.
Does he go crazy
with greed?
Does he bet
like a wild man
into my straight flush?
No, my friend.
He lays down his hand
because he doesn't want
to take our money!
You rope in any more
suckers like that,
I'll be broke!
How did I know
he was gonna turn out
to be the only man
in Chicago...
who doesn't care
about money?
You didn't know
because you haven't
got any brains!
Come on, boys.
I want you
to get it back.
I don't know how,
but get it back!
Well...
I'm fresh out
of ideas.
I thought I'd outgrown
the badger game.
But I guess I...
really should give it
one more try.
You know, he--
The old boy is rather
smitten with me.
So, just give me
five minutes with
the old goat,
and break down the door.
Oh, Mr. Jones,
I must talk to you.
Now? Right now?
It's terribly important.
I really must.
I'm worried
about Duncan.
He's gambling very
heavily, and he's--
he's losing more
than he can afford.
Tonight
was an example.
Well, he's a grown man,
ain't he?
Yes, but I--
You don't understand,
Mr. Jones.
It's--Well, Duncan--
Duncan is
very dear to me.
We're like brother
and sister.
We even rode in
the same baby carriage.
Yes. I know him.
I know him too well.
He's very sweet, but...
he's very weak.
He needs someone
stronger, some older,
to advise him.
Mr. Jones, he speaks
very highly of you.
He does?Yes.
I thought maybe you
could appeal to him
as that older, stronger,
wiser brother.
Sure, sure.
Ohh! I'm so glad.
Oh! Oh, Mr. Jones,
how can I ever thank--
What's the matter?
Oh...I feel dizzy.
Is this room
terribly warm?
No, it ain't warm
in here.
I must loosen my stays.
Can't it wait?No, I'm going to faint.
[ sighs ]
[ groaning ]
I think she needs
some smelling salts.
I'm all right.
Where is she?!
It's all right, Duncan.
I'm just leaving.
You all right?
Yes, of course.
Oh, Mr. Jones,
thank you.
You've been so kind
to me. Thank you.
And thank you.
You were a big help.
Anytime, miss.
I don't understand.
Well, now, don't you be
too hard on her.
She done this
for your own good.
Young man, someday
you and I gotta have
a long talk
about the evils
of gambling.
Come along,
Duncan.
One of the nicest
young couples
I ever knew.
Real friendly
and obliging like.
Where'd you
come from?
I've been lookin' over
the hotel for vermin.
Good night, Mr. Jones.
Good night.
It was
that stupid maid.
I just know she
did it on purpose.
How can a man
lick destiny?
I tell you,
somebody up there
has his hand
on Jones' shoulder.
The only trouble
with him is he's honest.
The rat.
What are you gonna do
about Casswell?
That isn't
what's worrying me?
It's what Casswell's
gonna do about me.
Well, there are
a few other things
to consider,
such as the hotel bill,
your tailor--
I've got it!What?
We've tried everything
with Jones.
Stocks, poker,
a badger game.
There's only
one thing left.
What's that?
You've got to marry him.
Me? Marry that--
Julia darling...
as Jones' wife, you can
have all the things
that I can't provide
for you--
all the luxuries
that make life worthwhile.
Then, after he's gone,
we can get married.
What do you mean,
after he's gone?
He's getting on
in years.
He can't last forever.
And, with a little bit
of help from you, he--
Julia.
This is our big chance.
We may never get
another one.
And you also figure,
as Mrs. Jones,
I might be able
to get my hands
on enough money
to help you settle up
with Casswell.
The thought
crossed my mind.
If you love me, Julia,
as I love you...
marry Jones.
I'm sorry, Betsy,
but Mr. Tighe isn't
the kind of man
I'd like for you
to associate with.
It wasn't all his fault.
I was just as much
to blame as he was.
In the first place,
you were not just
as much to blame.
In the second place,
you had the character
to admit what you'd done.
I'm sorry. I don't want
you to see him again,
and that's final.
All right.
I'll be back in
about an hour or so.
I've got to talk
to you, sir.
I've got to tell you
the truth about
the other night.
Come in.
We didn't go
to the lecture
the other night.
Oh, you didn't?
Sit down.
What's more,
I never intended
to take Betsy
to the lecture.
I knew that
it was called off.
Where did you intend
to take her?
To the Red Mill.
It's a cafe.
Why are you
telling me this?
On account of Betsy, sir.
She's a nice girl.
And she'd worry about
deceiving you.
It wasn't her fault.
It was my fault right
from the beginning.
And that's what I came
to tell you.
I won't bother you
any longer.
Eddie.
Betsy's out shopping.
She ought to
be back soon,
and I'm sure she'd
want to see you,
if you'd care to wait.
Yes, sir.
I'd like that.
[ lock clattering ]
What's that?
Sounds like somebody
trying to get in.
Well...
thank you.
What can I do for you?
You might tell me
what you're doing with
your key in my door.
Your door?
Well, what do you know?
Well, I guess that's what
being engaged does to you.
What did you say?
What do you know?
The other part--
about being engaged.
Well, it just happened.
I don't know
how it happened,
but it just did.
Heh. And who's
the fortunate woman?
Julia Montgomery.
The most beautiful woman
in the world.
When did this happen?
Oh, just
a few minutes ago.
We was talkin' about
how lonely it was
for an old bachelor
like me.
All of a sudden,
she threw her arms
around me,
let a whoop out of her,
and said how I made her
the happiest woman
in the world.
Everyone started
congratulating me.
Manager brought
some champagne.
And that's how it was.
I just can't believe it.
Well, congratulations.
I wish you
every happiness.
Thank you, Judge.
Thank you.
You're invited
to the wedding.
Thank you.
Well, I'll go back
to my own room now.
Say, when is it
to be?
Well, pretty soon,
I guess.
You see, Julia--
she ain't favorin'
long engagements.
I noticed your reaction
when Mr. Jones mentioned
his fiancee's name.
Do you know
Miss Montgomery?
Yes, sir.
I take it you don't
approve of her?
Tell me, is Mr. Jones
a very good friend
of yours?
Well, I'd hate to see him
marry the wrong woman.
Is he rich?Oh, very.
Well, it figures.
Although I've never
known her to go
this far before.
I see.
Sir, may I suggest that
you tell your friend
to either get
out of town quick,
or put his money
where she can't
get a hold of it.
Well, I--
I don't believe Mr. Jones
is in a frame of mind
to listen
to such suggestions.
Excuse me a minute.
I beg your pardon.
Do you happen to know
the number
of Miss Julia
Montgomery's room?
Yes, but she ain't in.
She just went down
in the elevator.
Thank you.
Come in!
Harry at the elevator
asked me to
give you this.
Thank you.
Maggie, you're
a fine woman.
You been into the cream
or something?
What would you say
if I told you I was
about to be hitched?
I'd say I pity
the poor female
that got herself
that got hooked up
with the likes of you.
You mean,
you're gettin' married?
That's what I said.
Oh.
Well, congratulations...
I guess.
Who is she?
Miss Julia Montgomery.Oh, no!
What do you mean,
oh, no?
Just surprised,
that's all.
She's kind of young,
isn't she?
Well, I ain't so old.
Maggie...Yes?
I was kind of hoping
you'd come to the wedding.
Well, thank you
very much, I'm sure.
What's the matter
with you now?
Not a thing.
What makes you think
I'd want to come
to your old wedding?
Well, you've always been
awful kind to me.
And I sort of considering
you my friend.
Well, I ain't.
I just felt
sorry for you 'cause
you were an old fool
that didn't know
any better.
[ crying ]
And I wouldn't come
to your wedding
if I was the poor,
unfortunate bride myself!
Hmm.
Well, I'll be darned.
We're both
worldly people,
Miss Montgomery.
We can both understand
how Mr. Jones
could be carried away
by impulse.
How you might
misunderstand
his intentions.
Oh, well,
I'm certain there was
no misunderstanding.
No, no, no, no.
Half the hotel staff
were present when
he proposed to me.
But surely a woman
as beautiful as you
can find--
Well, I mean, Mr. Jones
is much older than you--
But I find him
utterly fascinating.
You see, there's a--
there's a crude vigor,
a masculine appeal,
that stirs me.
No, I'm--
I'm very much
in love with him.
And, of course,
he's rich.
Oh, yes. Oh, yes,
of course, yes.
He's rich.
Let us suppose,
just for the moment,
that Mr. Jones declined
to go through
with this proposed
marriage.
I'd be terribly
heartbroken.Oh.
But, of course,
a helpless woman
does have recourse
in the courts, Mr. Garth.
You've heard of
breach of promise, yes?
Oh, yes,
I've heard of it.
I see.
And how much balm
would you think
it would take
to ease
your aching heart?
Well, I would be...
terribly heartbroken.
Then we can assume
it would take...
considerable balm.
A tremendous amount,
Mr. Garth.
Simply tremendous.
Well, I do have to run.
But thank you so much
for giving me your time.
Bye-bye.
"Dear Mr. Jones.
"Your gold mine
has run out of gold.
Therefore,
we respectfully
regret to--"
Inform.
"...inform you
you are broke."
What name shall I put
on this harbinger
of disaster?
You just said
the right one.
Put down "Harbinger".
I'd like to send
a telegram.
Yes, sir.
Copy.
This is the financial
lead story.
Tell the composing room
it's a must for page one.
Hop it.
Won't you get
into trouble?
Over what?
The story--
when people read it.
Betsy,
I should've told you
a long time ago--
nobody ever reads
the Chicago InterOcean.
Unless it's shoved
right into their nose.
Will there be
anything else, sir?
That'll be fine,
thank you.
Why, you seem
so unhappy.
Julia, I want to
talk to you.
Of course.
What would you say
if you found out
I wasn't rich?
Darling, is this
some sort of test?
No, I mean, supposing
my gold mine petered out
and I just wasn't rich.
Would you still
want to marry me?
When that minister
says, "for richer
or for poorer",
I'm going to be
the happiest girl
in this world.
Julia, you got a heart
of pure gold.
Of course. And you're
rich, aren't you?
BELLHOP:
Telegram, Mr. Jones.
Thank you.
Excuse me, Julia.Of course.
Oh, I already heard
this bad news.
Hmm?
[ Julia reading ]
Well, of all
the mis--
Would you--uh--
Telegram, Mr. Jones.
Oh, again?
Well, ain't it shameful
the way people like to
give you bad news?
[ reading ]
Oh, darling,
how terrible for you.
But we'll weather this
misfortune together.
You mean you don't care
if I'm busted?
Of course not, darling.
And under
the circumstances,
I think we should be
married right away.
That way, I can be
sort of a consolation
to you
in this,
your hour of trouble.
You mean, right away?
Well, this afternoon.
Well, maybe we
ought to sleep on it
a day or two.
I don't want you
to get into something
you're gonna regret.
Darling, we're going
to be married this...
afternoon.
Now, would you please
drink your coffee and
let's get on with it?
I don't want
no more coffee.
Couldn't we sort of
wait till tomorrow?
Mr. Jones,
aren't you going to
keep your promise?
Yeah, sure, but--
If you have any idea
of giving it up,
I just wouldn't
do that,
because, you see,
I have very good lawyers
who'd be willing to
sue you for every--
every penny you have.
You don't really
believe I'm busted?
Uh-uh.
Well, Mr. Jones.
What's it going to be?
A trip to the minister
or a trip to the court?
And believe me,
the juries are very
generous to women.
Especially...
beautiful women.
Julia, you are
a beautiful woman,
and I'd be right proud
to show you off
as my wife.
But, well, I wouldn't
want to have you let in
for a powerful
disappointment.
Let's go see
that minister.
Now?Right now!
Well, um, Mr. Jones...
don't you think
it'd be a good idea--
I'm glad
I got here in time.
Just take a look
at that!
What are you
talking about?
"Swindle Divulged in--"
That lousy faker!
He was conning us
all that time!
Ow!
[ silverware clatters ]
Oh, Duncan.
Ohh!
Hey!
Hmm.
[ knock on door ]Come in.
You wanted
to see me?
Yeah, I want
to see you.
About?
I want to know who
that Harbinger fella was
that signed
that telegram.
Why ask me?I'll tell you why.
I went to see the telegraph.
He told me he remembered
the woman who sent it.
She wore a hotel uniform
under a shawl.
I don't know
any other woman
who'd be busybody enough
to do a thing like that.
You come a long,
bustin' up my wedding?
What right you got
to do a thing like that?
I did it for
your own good.
She just wasn't
right for you.
Who are you to be
the judge of what's
right or wrong for me?!
Come along, interfering,
bustin' up my marriage,
spoiling my future
for me.
Now I ain't got
no wife at all.
She just wasn't
right for you!
All she wanted
was your money.
She'd have just
made you miserable.
You would've been
the most miserable,
unhappy gentleman
who ever drew a breath.
And--
Why, Maggie Hyeth.
You get away from me.
No, ma'am. You done me
out of one wife.
You're gonna make
good for it.
J. Jimerson Jones,
you just get away from me.
Maggie, I'm asking you
to marry me.
Well, I aint' goin' to!
Don't you care for me
just a little?
Of course I do,
you old fool.
They why don't you
want to marry me?
'Cause I ain't gonna
marry a rich man.
It's against
my principles.
Drinkin' champagne
out of women's shoes.
Maggie, I ain't rich.
Look. This one's true.
This letter you
brought me this morning.
It says my gold vein
run into a bad lead,
and someone else
relocated her.
That's a polite way
of sayin' I've been...
claim-jumped.
No, Maggie...
I ain't rich no more.
Oh, I got
a little money.
Maybe enough to
start a grocery store
or something,
but that's all.
Oh, J. Jimerson, Jones...
I guess that's
just about as rich
as a woman could want.
I think I could get used
to being that kind of rich.
Oh, it's you.
Wait! Here!
Take this!
Come on,
take Maggie's, too.
Here you are, son.
Thank you, sir.
You still acting
like a millionaire?
Sure, may as well
live it up on
my wedding day!
Shh! You want everybody
in the hotel to hear you?
Well, maybe
he was delayed...
having to explain
to the city editor
about that preposterous
story he wrote.
It did the trick,
didn't it?
Ha!
Hi. When you get
the money for me,
take out what I owe you.
I'll get it
from the safe.
Better get another
chambermaid.
She's goin' with me.
What will
that man think?
What else could I say?Shh!
You didn't want me
to tell anybody
we was just married.
I got held up.
City editor was kind of
upset about that story.
He didn't fire you,
did he?
No, sir. My father
owns the paper.
Oh.
Well...I guess I'd
better say good-bye now.
Well, it doesn't
take three of us
to pay the bill.
Why don't you--Thanks, Daddy.
I sure hate to
see you leave.
If you're ever
in Wyoming,
please stop in
at Shiloh.
Maybe I can work
that out someday.
Well...
Betsy...
you remember
what you said about...
not kissing
a fella good night
on the first date?
Well, how do you feel
about it
when you're
saying good-bye?
Well, I--
I think
that's different.
So do I.
There you are, sir.
And here's your bill.
Thank you, thank you.
You know, Mr. Palmer--
he runs
a mighty fine hotel.
What's goin' on
up there?
Oh, they tried
to sneak out the back way
without paying.
We've sent
for the police.
Oh.
Well,
whatever they owe you,
take it out of here,
let 'em go.
Jimerson!
I feel I owe 'em
something.
If it hadn't been
for them,
you and I might not
get together.
I think I am
gonna like you.
I'm checking out.Yes, sir.
I hope everything
was satisfactory.
It was, indeed.
Here you are, Judge.
There you are, son!
Thank you.
This way, please.
Thank you,
hurry back.
Good-bye, Eddie.
Bye, sir.
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02x17 - The Fortunes of J. Jimerson Jones
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The series was loosely based on The Virginian: Horseman of the Plains, a 1902 Western novel by Owen Wister that Hollywood had previously adapted for movies.
The series was loosely based on The Virginian: Horseman of the Plains, a 1902 Western novel by Owen Wister that Hollywood had previously adapted for movies.