Overland Riders (1946)

[bunniefuu]

Uh...

I beg your pardon, ma'am.

Would it bother you

if I smoked a cigar?

No, not at all.

Thanks.

I got a pretty important deal

at devil's gap.

Hope I have the pleasure

of seeing you again sometime.

You probably will.

I live there.

Uh, yep, yep,

yep, yep...

Mighty big business deal.

You know, devil's gap's

in for a big surprise.

I'm sorry I can't tell you

about it, but...

I've got to keep it

a secret.

( Coughing )

( g*nf*re )

Eyah! Eyah!

Eyah!

Eyah!

Whoa!

( g*nf*re )

All right, you two!

Up with 'em!

Billy Carson!

Hi, fuzz. That was

some fancy shootin'.

I didn't know

you had it in ya!

Look here, Billy Carson,

you turn around

and go back

where you came from!

I ain't gonna have you

trailin' me

and hornin' in

on my big business deal!

You're loco.

Fuzz, I'm not trailing you.

I didn't know

you were on that stage.

Oh, don't try to be funny.

Tell that to somebody

that ain't got good sense!

( Chuckling )

That's what I'm doin'.

You should apologize

to him for talking like that.

After all, he saved US

from being held up!

Ah, he didn't need

to bother.

I could've take

care of it!

Hello. A pretty rough trip

for a tender foot.

Me, a tender foot?

Why I was born

on a ranch in devil's gap.

Ah, you showed good sense

in picking out a place

to be born.

Hey, fuzz,

see about that driver.

Well, they got him.

He's dead.

He's dead?

I guess you two

are gonna hang for this.

I wouldn't lay any bets on that.

You might lose.

And you won't be around

to collect your bets if you win!

No, but I'd bet you

I take you into town, mister!

Give 'em a chance

to hang you!

Fuzz, get these two

on their horses.

That one too.

You heard the man.

Why, you're hurt!

Can I help you?

No, it's just

a scratch.

The b*llet

just nicked the skin.

He probably

jumped over sideways

to get himself creased

with a b*llet!

( Chuckling )

Landro:

What's the matter, Jeff?

You seem to be worried.

I am. My daughter's

comin' home today,

and the stage

is way overdue.

There's been a lot

of holdups lately.

Hello, Jeff.

Hi sheriff.

Don't see you

around town much anymore.

No...my daughter's

on the stage,

and I'm kinda worried

about her!

You can stop worryin'.

Here she comes.

That doesn't look

like the regular driver.

Oh...

Whoa!

Ow!

Oooh!

Oh, dad,

I'm so glad to see you!

We've had

an awful time.

Oh, that's too bad.

What are you doing

driving this stagecoach?

Where's Pete?

Pete, he ain't

driving no more.

He's dead!

Them thar outlaws

jumped US,

but I guess

we gave 'em more

than they

was lookin' fer!

All right. Down off

your horses!

Get up there!

Buckboard's

right over here, honey.

Brought ya a couple

of borders, sheriff.

The third one,

he's uh...

Badly damaged.

And you can

count on US

to be in court

to testify

against him

when you're ready

to hang 'em!

Well, why be bothered

with a trial!

They m*rder*d Pete!

Let's get it over with!

Take it easy.

We'll handle this

according to law!

That's right, mister.

I'm stringin' along

with the sheriff.

We'll handle it

fair and legal.

The boys

are in a tough spot.

Yeah, and that pair

burned ed down for keeps.

I'm gonna blast 'em

for that!

Don't be a fool!

We're in the clear.

No one has ever

suspected US.

Do you want

the whole town

to know

how we stand?

I'm much obliged

to you for your help.

Would you move 'em

over to the jail with me?

I'd be glad to.

Come on.

But shouldn't we wait

and thank my rescuer?

Nah, you can

thank him later.

I'll invite him

out to the ranch.

Besides, there's liable

to be some trouble here in town.

We got a couple of

those outlaws!

Lock 'em up, Joe!

Come on,

get moving!

All we gotta do now

is hold a trial and hang 'em!

Sheriff, could you have

the trial as soon as possible?

I'm out here

on a cattle-buying trip.

I'd like to get back home.

Well, the judge

is away right now.

We'll hold the trial just

as soon as he gets back.

That's fine.

Sit down, mister...

Carson.

Bill Carson's my name.

Mine's osmond.

Glad to know you,

sir.

You're a stranger here

in Carson,

and I want to warn you.

That outlaw you k*lled

and the two you captured

are only part

of a well-organized g*ng.

I know that

from the way they work.

Nobody seems to know

who's at the head of it.

Well, that has nothing

to do with me, sheriff.

I didn't come out here

to hunt outlaws.

Well, the leader

of that g*ng

wouldn't want you to testify

against his men.

Look out you don't get

a b*llet in your back.

Thanks for the tip.

Jeff barkley made a deal

to sell part of his herd.

He was expecting

a lot of money.

That's why I sent

the boys to the stage today.

Well, they didn't do

a very good job!

What do you plan

to do about cherokee and tug?

Let 'em stay where they are

and cool off for a while!

They won't like that!

What they like

isn't important.

I've got to find out

if that money came by express.

Howdy!

Howdy, stranger.

What can I do for you?

Oh, I'd like

a little piece of land.

You've come

to the right place.

What did you

have in mind?

Oh, a little piece of land

where I can do some farmin'

or maybe run a few head

of cattle,

a place where I can settle down

and maybe get married.

Well, just exactly

what did you want?

This is the town

right here, ain't it?

That's right.

Put you on some

nice farming land.

And this is the gap

up here?

That's right.

Show me somethin'

up around here.

I can't sell you anything

in that locality.

It belongs

to the barkley ranch.

Barkley, huh?

Do you reckon' he'd sell me

a little piece of land?

I wouldn't know.

Didn't you come in today

on the stage, mister?

Yeah, I sure did.

And I learned them outlaws

not to start nothin'

when I'm around!

Can we count on you

being a witness at the trial?

You sure can!

I don't like outlaws!

I'd like to see 'em all

string higher than a kite!

I'll sell ya

a piece of land.

You'll like

so much,

I guarantee

you'll never leave it!

Much obliged,

but I wouldn't want

to put you to trouble.

It's no trouble at all.

It's a pleasure.

I'm sort of hankerin' to see

this fellow barkley

before I make up my mind.

I'll be stickin'

around here quite a while.

Hope to see you again.

You will!

Pardon me, mister, is there

a livery stable in town?

I want to rent a horse.

Sure, just around

the corner.

Follow your nose.

Why was he so interested

in the barkley ranch?

Do ya suppose

he's wise to anything?

Well, it could be.

But I don't like the idea

of him being around as a witness

against cherokee and tug!

Two very good reasons

why we should see

that he gets

a piece of land...

Six feet by four feet.

Stop by the express office

and find out if barkley

got a package.

Are you Jeff barkley?

That's right.

I'm bill Carson.

Jim larabee sent me

the money to fetch those cattle

and drive the herd back.

I'm so glad to see ya!

Come in.

Thanks.

We'll get business

out of the way first.

Make yourself

comfortable

while I write out

a bill of sale.

Do you want to count this

and see if it's right,

Mr. Barkley?

Hope you don't mind

a little blood on the money.

I got myself nicked

by a b*llet.

That's the first time I was

ever happy to get blood money!

Those rustlers

about had me broke,

and it looked as though

I was going to lose the ranch.

Gap's been hit pretty bad

with outlaws,

and they seem to pick on me

more than anyone else!

They rustled every herd I tried

to get through to market.

Naturally, I had to keep on

borrowing money.

So that's why you made a deal

to sell your cattle

on your own range.

That's right.

I told Jim larabee

the truth.

He said he was willing

to take a chance.

Said he could depend on you

to get 'em through.

Ah, he didn't go

into many details about the job.

He said it might be

a little tough...

Why, hello.

Welcome to barkley ranch.

Hello.

How do you

feel today?

Fine, thanks to you.

Do you two

know each other?

Dad, this is the man

I was telling you about.

Would of really done

your heart good

to see the way

he hit those outlaws!

Well, that puts me doubly

in your debt!

I guess Jim larabee

knows how to pick his men.

Ah, they weren't

top grade bad men.

Didn't put up

much of a fight.

We'll try

to provide you

with better outlaws

next time.

Who was that other man

on the stage?

You called him "fuzzy".

Oh, old fuzz.

That's my old friend

and sidekick, fuzzy Jones.

You know, he gets

a crackpot idea now and then,

it's like the measles.

You have to sit and wait

'til it wears itself out.

( Laughter )

Here's your bill

of sale.

We'll start cuttin'

out the herd anytime you like.

I'd be proud to have you

make this your home

while you're in this part

of the country.

As long as

the express agent said

he didn't get

any money today,

maybe I can put

a quick squeeze on him.

( Knocking )

Howdy!

Jeff, I wouldn't feel right

about foreclosing on you.

I'd like to make you

a fair offer to buy you out

so that you won't lose

everything.

I won't sell,

and you won't foreclose!

I'm picking up

that note.

Where'd you get

the money?

Is that any

of your business?

Oh, no, of course not.

Just surprised, that's all.

I thought you were in bad shape.

I was yesterday,

but not today!

Jeff, the rustlers

have hit you pretty hard.

Think it over.

It might be the wise thing

for you to sell out.

Ain't you

the crooked tin horn

the vigilantes run out

of Cheyenne?

If I am,

nobody ever told me.

Well, i'm

tellin' ya now!

You'd better get going!

I'm sorry

about this, Jeff.

Oh, that's all right.

No harm done

as far as I can see,

except to your friend.

What do you say, Jeff?

Sell out to me.

Let me worry

about the rustlers.

We'll break up that g*ng

of outlaws one of these days!

They might

break you first.

I'll take my chances

on that.

Well, I tried

to do you a favor.

Much obliged,

but I'm not carin'

for that kind of a favor.

I'll bring the money to town

tomorrow and pick up that note.

Well, I'll have it

ready for you

when you get there.

Something funny

about this.

I never saw that fellow

before in my life!

Why'd he have to go

out of his way

to pick a fight with me?

I don't know.

And Vic landro didn't seem

any too happy

about gettin' his money.

We'll make very sure

that he doesn't pay off

that note!

I don't like the idea

of him hangin' around.

Better get rid of him

pretty quick!

Uh, Mr. Barkley?

That's right.

I'd like to buy a piece

of your land up near

the devil's gap.

I ain't sellin'

any of my land!

Fuzz:

Now, it won't hurt ya to sell

a few acres of your land.

I won't interfere

with your cattle business.

I won't sell

a square foot of my land.

Do ya understand?

Uh, you mean

I can't buy nothin'?

That seems to be

the general idea!

Bill:

Hello, fuzz!

Who's trailing who now?

Billy Carson, you've gotta stop

cuttin' in on me

and interferin' in my business,

or I'll...I'll...

You'll bust a blood vessel,

fuzz, if you're not careful.

Mmm, all right!

We've been friends

a long time,

and we've had

our quarrels...

But I never thought

you'd go behind my back

to play

a dirty trick on me!

Hey, wait a minute!

Fuzz...

You know, I think he's

really hurt about something.

I've got to find out

what crazy idea he's got

on his mind!

Miss Jean, I think I'd better

go back into town,

and see if I can

round up a crew for the drive.

Don't forget

to come back.

I won't.

I've got business

out here. Bye.

I hope you don't feel

it's only business.

We'd like to have you here

as a friend.

Thanks.

Bye, Jean!

That old Billy goat might throw

a monkey wrench into our plans.

I'll feel a lot better

when he's underground.

I can't figure out

how barkley got that money,

unless that stranger

brought it

instead of having it

sent by express.

Well, it could be,

but don't forget,

he's a witness

against the boys!

I'm not forgettin'

anything!

Get set!

Ah, Billy couldn't do

nothin' underhanded.

Well...

He could...

Well, I wish

he'd make up his mind!

( Bang! )

( g*nf*re )

We'll spread out

and take him from both sides.

Hold it!

This is gettin'

too hot!

Hey, fuzz,

what happened?

Ah, somebody

took a potshot at me,

but they wasn't much good.

Yeah? Probably a friend

of those fellas in jail.

You're a witness

against 'em, I suppose.

Yeah,

I guess so.

Fuzz, let's get

this straight.

I'm not trailing you.

Jim larabee sent me here

to buy a herd of cattle.

I'm suppose

to drive 'em back.

I didn't even know

you were headed for devils' gap.

Now, what is this big

mysterious business deal

that you've been

talkin' about?

Ah, I ain't tellin'

that to nobody!

You've laughed at me

every time I got ambitious

to be important.

Now I'm gonna show you

that I can.

And then you can apologize.

All right. All right.

Be stubborn if you want to,

but get that idea

out of your head

that I've been

spying on you, fuzz.

Maybe I was a little hasty

jumpin' to conclusions.

Forget it.

Come on, fuzz.

I'd like to hire

a trail crew for a drive...

Anybody interested?

Where ya drivin' from?

The barkley ranch.

That's a hoodoo outfit,

mister.

Every herd that's ever left

there's been rustled.

And there's been some

mighty good boys k*lled too.

I plan to break

that hoodoo.

Not with US,

you don't.

Come on, boys!

Sure'll be

a load off my mind

when I hand Vic landro

this money

and tear up that note

well, I'll be glad too.

Dad, don't forget

to bring Mr. Carson home

with you for supper.

It'll be something special!

I will if it don't

skip my mind.

I'll try to remember.

Giddy 'up, Nelly.

Well, he's

got to come by here.

That's what I figured.

Hee-hee!

Get ready!

Here he comes!

( Bang! )

Let's go!

Find the money,

quick!

I'm looking

for Jeff barkley.

Suppose to be

in here this morning.

I haven't seen him.

You don't seem worried

about whether or not

that note's paid off.

Why should I be?

It's well secured.

You know, I have an idea

that you'd be happy

if the note

wasn't paid off.

You're welcome

to have any idea you like.

It means nothing

to me.

Thanks. I'll do the same

for you sometime.

Jeff barkley

was m*rder*d.

I caught him ridin' away

from the scene of the crime.

Ah, I told ya

I was ridin' into town

to notify the sheriff!

How do we know that?

What were you

doing up there?

That's my own

private business.

It wasn't

to m*rder nobody!

Did you find

any money on this man?

Jeff barkley

had a lot of money on him.

Sheriff:

How do you know that?

Bill:

I gave it to him to pay

for a herd of cattle I bought.

He was coming in this morning

to pay off a note

he owed Vic landro.

Sheriff:

How 'bout it?

I didn't search him.

I just threw a g*n on him

to bring him in.

Well, you won't

find much money on me.

Well, that's easy enough

to prove!

Come on inside!

Ah, that cow punch

is as crazy as a loon!

I have no reason

to m*rder Jeff barkley

or anybody else!

Then what were you doing

in that neighborhood?

That's my private affair.

What happened?

I heard the sh**ting

and rode over to see

what the trouble was.

I found Jeff barkley

deader than a mackerel

and that hombre

hightailing it down the road.

So I took out after him.

Good boy.

That's my money!

I brought it with me.

Well, I wouldn't call that

a lot of money.

He could of hid the rest of it

before he was captured!

He didn't even know

barkley had that money on him!

You could have told him.

You two know each other,

and you both hit town together.

It's my guess

that you told someone.

Can't you see he's trying

to protect his friend

by throwing suspicion

on someone else?

You've known me

a long time, sheriff.

What do ya know

about this pair?

I can't say

that I know anything.

What if he didn't

find the money on him?

He was seen leaving

the scene of the crime!

He's been acting

plenty suspicious.

That's enough

to hold him for m*rder.

Me?

I don't like

being accused of m*rder.

Just remember that.

I gotta plenty

good memory.

Now, fuzz, why don't you stop

acting like a stubborn fool!

Explain your business here

in devil's gap.

I ain't explainin' nothin'!

I didn't m*rder nobody,

and I ain't tellin'

my business to nobody!

Well, it's your neck.

Do what you please with it!

Come on!

Make yourself at home.

I hope you'll be comfortable!

( Laughter )

Look who's here!

You been a bad boy?

He liked US so well,

he had to come

and keep US company!

( Laughter )

We're getting

all the breaks!

We've got the money,

we'll take over

the barkley ranch,

and that fuzzy character

will hang for barkley's m*rder.

That's not all

the story, Vic.

You know cherokee and tug

are gettin' mighty restless.

They don't like the idea

of being cooped up in jail.

It won't hurt 'em

to stay there for awhile.

In fact, we don't need 'em

any longer.

We're all set now

for the pay off.

It was there own fault

that they got caught!

Yes, and if they get wise

that we're runnin' out on 'em,

they might do some talkin'!

And we wouldn't like that.

Yeah, I see

what you mean.

Well, I'll figure

some way to get 'em out.

( Knocking )

It's nice of you

to stop by.

Won't you come in,

Mr. Carson?

Thank you.

Please sit down.

I...ah, I'm sorry

about your father, miss Jean.

Wish there was something

I could say.

There's nothing

you can say...

There's nothing anyone

can say that'll do any good.

I sorta blame myself.

I guess

I should've stayed with him

'til he got

that money into town.

No, you musn't feel

like that.

You had no way of knowing

this was going to happen...

None of US did.

Well, you can rest assured

I'll do everything I can

to get the man

that k*lled your dad.

You know, only two people

knew he had that money...

Vic landro and myself.

I can't believe

landro'd commit m*rder.

I don't like him, but...

He's been here a long time.

He has a perfectly

clean reputation.

That doesn't prove

he wouldn't commit m*rder

under...

Under certain conditions.

If he did,

how could you prove it?

That won't be easy.

Jean, you remember

that money I gave your father?

There was some blood on it.

I could easily identify it.

Now, if that money

were in Vic landro's safe,

that would be proof

of his guilt, wouldn't it?

How can you know

whether it's there or not?

He's not going to let you

search his safe

simply because you ask him.

Well, maybe I could

persuade him.

No, if you force him

to open the safe,

and the money isn't there,

you'll really be in trouble.

I don't want you

to do it.

Ah, there must be

some way...

Some way to get him

to open that safe

of his own free will.

Well, I guess I better be

getting back into town.

Please don't

do anything rash!

If anything should happen

to you on my account,

I'll be very unhappy.

I'll be careful.

( g*nf*re )

You stay here.

Who shot you, Vic?

I surprised two men

robbing my office.

Come take a look.

I put up a fight until one

hit me over the head.

Did they get anything?

I don't know.

I haven't had time to look.

( Thump! )

Hurry it up, boys,

we gotta get outta here!

Hey, much obliged, pal!

Oopphhh!

Come on, men,

let's go!

All right, come on!

I'll meet you boys

at the hide out.

Sheriff:

All right, boys,

break it up!

Bill:

Had some excitement,

sheriff?

Yeah, couple of men

tried to Rob landro's office.

Oh?

What are you doing

out of jail?

Oh, somebody unlocked my cell

and slugged me on the jaw.

Hah! I thought you didn't

want me in your jail anymore.

You get back in that jail

and stay there!

I'll let you know

when I don't want you.

Did you do that?

Oh, how could I do it

when I was unconscious?

Well, I don't know,

but I'll bet you

stay put from now on.

I think I saw

your two prisoners, sheriff.

And I know the way

they're headed.

Well, come on,

show me!

Hey, uh...

Let me outta here!

Hah, hah, hah,

I'd sure like to see

the sheriff's face

when he finds out

his canaries have flew the Coop.

So would I!

Hey, I don't like

the looks of that!

Nor me. Come on!

Sheriff,

you keep 'em busy.

I'll work around

behind 'em.

Drop it!

All right.

Up on your feet!

Come on.

I wanted

to take 'em alive.

They can tell US

a lot of things

we'd like to know.

I wouldn't tell you

the time of day!

No? Well, time won't

mean much to you

from now on!

Keep your eye on 'em

while I round up the horses.

All right, sheriff.

Well, you boys

do the work

and stretch

the ropes.

The boss sits back

and counts the money.

It's all right

if you like it that way.

Ain't ever made me

stretch any rope.

No, but you only have

to do it once.

Go on.

Sheriff:

All right,

get down.

Get in there!

So ya got 'em, huh?

Yeah, thanks

to Billy Carson.

You go on home

and take it easy

for the rest

of the day.

Well, look who's here!

Have you been bad, boys?

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Sheriff, can I have

a talk with fuzzy?

Help yourself.

Now, tell me

what this monkey business is

of yours or I'll pound

some sense into your head!

Nope!

I ain't takin' no chances

on losin' a fortune

just from blabbin'.

Don't you realize

they're going to convict you

of m*rder unless you can explain

why you're in devil's gap?

They can't convict me

for somethin' I ain't done.

Oh, yes, they can

and they will

unless you give 'em

a good reason

for being where you were

when barkley was m*rder*d.

Oh, all right.

Come close.

I learned that they planned

to build a railroad

in devil's gap,

and anybody owning property

there in the right place

stands to make a fortune.

Now, I can see the reason

for a lot of things.

Landro could of known that.

They're not gonna get

you boys outta here again.

Don't you think

landro should keep you company?

What's landro got

to do with it?

Well, my money,

he's the boss.

And I'm gonna

prove it.

You won't live

that long.

I will.

Hey fuzz, you stay here

and keep outta trouble.

Well, what do ya think this is,

a picnic?

No, but you'll be safe here

until I can get things

straightened out.

They're all yours,

sheriff.

Thanks to you,

Billy Carson.

I guess that'll

hold 'em for awhile.

Uh... you'd better watch

this place.

Watch it?

Yeah, there's a --

there's a leak in it.

You made an offer

to buy my ranch

rather than foreclose.

I'd like

to accept your offer.

Yes, I did make

an offer,

but your father refused

and wasn't very friendly

about it!

Do you hold a grudge

against a man after he's dead?

You can foreclose.

It's impossible for me

to pay the note.

But that's going to take time,

and I'd like to get this

over with as soon as possible.

Well, yes, it would be

worth something

to be able to take possession

immediately

and not have to wait

for a foreclosure

and a sheriff's sale.

I'll give you

a quit claim deed to sign.

Sit down.

Here, sign this.

I wouldn't be in a hurry

about signing your ranch away,

miss Jean.

There's nothing else

I can do!

Get out of my office!

Before I go,

I'm gonna have a look

in your safe, landro.

Cut out that tramps' around

in there!

I'm turfs'

to take a nap!

Ah, I oughta be with Billy.

He needs me!

Well, be good boys,

and I'll be ya in court!

See ya later, sheriff.

Okay.

Hey, come back here!

Hey, you, come 'ere!

You're deputized.

Stay here and don't let

any prisoners out of that jail.

What's on here?

There was a hold up!

He tried to Rob

my safe, sheriff!

How about that?

Ah, he's partly right.

Sheriff, I think

I can identify the money

that Jeff barkley was carrying

when he was m*rder*d.

I'll gamble the money's

in that safe.

What do ya say

to that?

It's a lie. He's turfs'

to squirm outta trouble!

Suppose we take

a look.

You've no right

to search my private property!

What do you care

if you're innocent!

I got some blood

on the money

when I was nicked

by that b*llet

in the stage hold up,

sheriff.

This looks like

it might be it.

Bill:

It is.

Now see

if you can find

barkley's note.

Hey, this looks

like it.

Ah, I think we can

tear this up.

Barkley was on loan

to his own money.

Get movin'!

You too!

I don't think

you'll be bothered

with rustlers anymore,

miss Jean.

It's impossible

to thank you.

If there's ever anything

I can do for you,

please name it.

How 'bout a little piece

of land up near the gap?

Fuzzy!

Well, it was an idea,

wasn't it?

Wearin' fine clothes

and smokin' big cigars!

Someone important!

And here I am,

eatin' trail dust!

Bill:

Ah, you wouldn't be happy

with a lot of money, fuzz.

Think of the bother

of countin' it all the time.

Ah, you'd soon hanker

with the smell of trail dust.