01x13 - The Clara Beauchamp Story

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How much farther, Captain?

Well, we should make it
to Fort Mason by sundown

if this map's
anywhere near accurate.

Sure hope it is. Wouldn't want

to spend the night
in Indian territory.

They're not supposed to be
between here and the fort,

according to the Department
of the Pacific.

Looks like some of them
didn't get the message.

What's that, Corporal?

Over there, Captain.

Army r*fles.

No sense chasing them
any further.

Their horses are
fresher than ours.

Hey, McCullough!

Yeah, what can I do for you?

How long do you think it'll be

before we get to that port?

Well, three or
four days, I guess.

Major Adams said that
a week ago.

We lost time going
north for water.

Seems to me
if you and Major Adams

planned things better,
we wouldn't run short.

Yes, ma'am. We'll try and
have it rain sooner next time.

Howdy, Major.

Howdy.

How's the back?

It'll do.

Next time a wagon
gets stuck in the sand,

I wish you'd get
someone to help you.

Yeah, a small boy or somebody
to take the strain off you.

Oh, you're real funny,
the both of you.

Real cute!

What's all the
conversation back there?

Oh, the usual gripes.

Now I know what you
have to put up with.

Comes with the job, I reckon.

First they sign a paper
that says

I'm supposed
to be the wagon boss,

then they spend
half their time giving me

free advice
on how to run things.

Eh, mainly they're just tired...

Tired of being thirsty,
tired of being hot,

tired of traveling, and most
of all, tired of each other.

Nothing I can do about that.

Now they're beginning
to worry about Indians.

Maybe it's a good thing, too...

Take their mind off
their other problems.

You know...

might be a good idea
if you ride on out

and butter up
old Chief Thundercloud.

You know him, don't ya?

A little.

Charlie, go over to the wagon
and get a salt lick,

sack of sugar, and some tobacco.

Chief or no chief,
they still like presents.

Good idea.

Say, you might stop in
at Fort Mason, too.

You know
Colonel Beauchamp there?

No.

He's the CO, a good officer.

Give him my respects
and tell him

we might like to rest
there for a day or so.

All right, Major.

You think you'll get along
all right without me?

Get...

Listen, you young squirt,
I made out pretty good

long before you was born.

Now go on, get outta here.

Take care of him, Wooster.

I'll do that.

Full of beans, ain't he?

Sure is.

You'd think he have respect
for old age, wouldn't you?

What...

Hey, what are you doing there!?

King, king.

Where'd you get a king?

Starting a little early
in the day, aren't you?

Why, you know perfectly well
the doctor said

I should have a glass of sherry
now and then for my blood.

He said you had to have
one glass at dinner.

I'm writing to Elizabeth Bowen.

Should I add your
congratulations for Edwin?

He made brigadier
general, you know.

Yes, I know.

Now, let's see.

He was four years behind you
at West Point, wasn't he?

This is possibly
the wrong time to bring it up,

but I'd appreciate it
if you wouldn't walk out

during the color ceremony,

at least not where everyone
can see you.

Oh, Charles, for heaven's sake.

It's difficult enough
maintaining

military discipline
out here among the men.

I simply happened
to be in a hurry.

You simply happened
to want to show once again

that you don't consider this
much of a military post.

You made that quite clear
in private,

and I'll have to ask you
to keep it that way.

How can you
stand there and be so pompous?

You suppose it matters
what happens to anyone

out in this
miserable little post

in the middle of nowhere?

It happens to be my command.

As long as it is, I'll
run it the best I can.

Isn't it enough
we missed out on the w*r

while everybody else
was getting promoted?

Do we have to spend
the rest of our lives

in this God-forsaken country?

Are we ever gonna get back
to civilization?

It hasn't been
what you wanted for us.

I know that.

But there's a job
to be done here.

Somebody has to do it.

Why does it have to be you?

Why can't it be somebody else?

I've always believed
that they thought

that this was important, too.

Maybe I've been deluding myself.

Maybe they didn't think I was good
enough for a wartime command.

You just never
fought for it, that's all!

You just took
what they gave you.

Maybe I never realized
how much it meant to you.

Doesn't it mean anything to you

that men four years behind you

have been made
brigadier general?

Are we ever gonna get
back to Washington...

where we can live
like human beings,

see people we have
something in common with.

We used to have a lot in common,

just the two of us.

Is it wrong to want more?

Do I have to be ambitious
for both of us?

I'm sorry, Clara.

You're not sorry at all,

'cause if you were,
you would've done

something about this
a long time ago,

instead of letting us
rot out here

while everybody else
is getting promoted.

Replacement detachment
coming in, sir.

Very well.

Captain Pearson
reporting for duty, sir.

Glad to have you
with us, Captain.

My orders, Colonel,

and a dispatch
from Headquarters Pacific.

You look like you had
a hard ride.

We ran into some Indians,
but we chased them off.

Oh? Did they give
you any trouble?

No, sir, but we...

Come to my office, Captain.

Take charge of
the new men, Evan.

Yes, sir.

Sit down, Captain.

Now, tell me what happened.

Well, as I said, sir,
we came across this w*r party.

How do you know
it was a w*r party?

This map was marked to me
at headquarters before I left.

It shows the areas the Indians

were to be contained in
by a treaty.

They were out of it,
and armed with Army r*fles.

I gave them those r*fles
to hunt with.

Isn't that most unusual, sir?

Possibly, but it takes away

their incentive to steal them

and puts them on their honor

about how they use them.

It didn't seem to stop them
from violating the treaty.

They were probably chasing game.

Besides, these lines were drawn

in Washington, not out here.

Yes, sir. But I thought

we were here to see
the treaty was kept.

I'm not going to start a w*r

because a couple of
young bucks wander

a few miles out
of their territory.

I let their own chief handle
minor violations of that kind.

You mean you trust him
to police his own men?

How long have you been
in the West, Captain?

This is my first duty, sir.

Before that, I was in the w*r.

Well, we're fighting
a different kind

of battle here,
a battle to prevent w*r.

It doesn't get headlines
or commendations

from Washington;
it just saves lives.

Now, that chief and I
have an understanding.

He's responsible for
the actions of his men,

and I'm responsible for mine.

A lot of people don't
believe it will work,

on both sides.

Quite a few don't want it to,

but if it breaks down,
it won't be my fault.

Mrs. Beauchamp and I
would like you

to have dinner with us
tonight, Captain,

if you're not too tired.

I'd be delighted, sir.

At 7:00, then?

Thank you, sir.

Hi!

Hi! Oi!

Stop!

You a soldier who k*ll brave?

I scout for a wagon train,
not the Army.

You know that.

He was dead when I found him.

No b*llet. Gone.

That's right.

I was coming to your village.

I brought salt, sugar, tobacco.

Look at my saddlebags.

Presents from the wagon train.

You go now.

Tell Colonel he let
white men pass in peace,

bring one soldier who did this.

You'd attack women and children

for what one soldier did?

You protect wagon train.

I protect my people.

Bring answer tomorrow.

This assistant secretary of w*r.

I don't see how you can
take it so calmly, Charles.

However will we entertain him
in a place like this?

I don't think he's coming here
to be entertained.

Nevertheless, we have to show
him we don't live like savages.

Did you ever meet him
in Washington?

No, ma'am.

More sherry?

Oh, no thank you.

Oh, go on. Just a little.

I don't really like
the taste of it,

but the doctor says I have
to take some now and then.

For my blood.

Well... now, let's see,
what were we talking about?

Oh, yes, the assistant
secretary of w*r!

I knew several cabinet members
when I was younger.

There was Mr. Tanner
and Mr. Edwards.

They were both friends
of my family.

My father never was in politics,

but he was very influential.

People were always asking him
to run for the Senate

from Virginia,
but he never would.

He was too busy
taking care of the plantation

and taking care of my mother.

Her health wasn't very good.

Sometimes when we
entertained important visitors,

she wouldn't be strong enough
to leave her room,

and then I'd be the hostess.

Those were lovely days.

I'm sure they were, ma'am.

Well, look at me.

You wouldn't think
that I was quite

the belle of the ball,
would you?

Oh, I can well believe it.

Well! I can see that West Point

still produces gallant officers.

But you look too young
to be a captain.

Well, my class was lucky.

We graduated just in time
to get in the w*r,

or I'd still be
a second lieutenant.

Oh, I wish something
were to happen out here!

Well, it's true.

How will they ever know
how good you are

unless they hear about you?

I imagine it's like holding

a defensive position in the w*r.

It might be tactically sound,

but it doesn't make
newspaper headlines.

That's very well put,
isn't it, Charles?

I couldn't have said it better.

Where can I find
Colonel Beauchamp?

He's quartered to
the left, last building.

Thank you.

Why, your glass
is empty, Captain.

Uh, let me pour it.

No thank you, sir.

I believe that I will have
a tiny drop more.

Colonel Beauchamp?

Yes, come in. Thank you.

I'm Flint McCullough.

I scout for a wagon train
headed by Major Seth Adams.

Oh, glad to meet you,
Mr. McCullough.

Major Adams is
an old friend. How is he?

He's fine, thank you. He asked
me to send you his respects.

Thank you. Let me
present you to my wife.

My dear, this is Mr. McCullough.

How do you do, Mr. McCullough?

How do you do, Mrs. Beauchamp?

Captain Pierce
and Mr. McCullough.

Captain.

Excuse me for interrupting
your supper, ma'am.

Oh, that's perfectly all right.

We have so few guests.
Won't you join us?

No thanks, I ate on the trail.

May I speak to you
a minute, Colonel?

Yes, go right ahead.
It's all right.

I just left Chief Thundercloud.

One of his braves
has been k*lled,

and he blames your
soldiers for it.

I thought you told me
there were no casualties.

I didn't think there were, sir.

He made it pretty clear
he'd attack the wagon train

unless you sent him
the soldier responsible for it,

and he wants an answer tomorrow.

Shall I break out
the troops, sir? No.

Well, Charles,
you're not gonna do

what that savage
demanded, are you?

Of course not!

I don't understand, sir.

If that's his ultimatum,
how can you avoid a fight?

I don't know.

You have two choices.

Either you take orders from
the Indians, or you give them.

Perhaps I can have
a third choice.

I'll have someone
take care of your horse

and see that you get
a place to sleep.

Thank you no, Colonel.

If Thundercloud's going
on the warpath,

I'd better get back.

Delighted to make your
acquaintance, Mr. McCullough.

Tomorrow is time
enough for that,

if there's no other solution.

Excuse us.

Certainly.

That's all right, Captain.

Will you stay and keep
Mrs. Beauchamp company?

Are you sure you
won't have more sherry?

No thank you.

Well, at least let me
pour you some coffee.

Thank you.

My husband...

He's such an idealistic man.

But you know Washington
wants results, not theory.

Sugar? No thank you.

I'm sure that you
could impress this

upon the Colonel
far better than I seem able to.

I'd be glad to give the Colonel

any advice I can...
when he asks for it.

Well, that's rather
shortsighted, isn't it?

In what way, ma'am?

Well, a practical man
like you must share

my hope for
the Colonel's advancement...

as well as your own.

I will have cream, please.

I'm sure that he would see
to it that you were rewarded,

in case your advice
was successful.

A practical man knows enough

not to give advice to
his commanding officer.

Excuse me.

Good night, ma'am.

Good night, Captain.

The wagon train's about here.

Now, I'd like to get word
to the Major

as soon as you make
your decision.

Don't worry. I won't let
them walk into any trouble.

Frankly, Colonel, I don't see
how you're going to avoid it.

Thundercloud means business.

Maybe I can't, but I've
got till morning to try.

Very well.

I took care of your horse, sir.

There's a bunk for you
in the barracks. Thanks.

Good night, Colonel,
and good luck.

Thank you.

Refreshing, isn't it?

Oh.

Yes, it is, ma'am.

Must be a whole lot
of responsibility.

I mean, having the safety of a
whole wagon train depend on you.

Right now, that depends
on the Colonel.

Did he say what he was gonna do?

No, ma'am.

He hasn't decided yet.

Oh.

Well, I'm sure he'd give

a lot of consideration
to your opinion.

What do you think he should do?

It's hard to say, ma'am.

What you mean is
you don't want to.

I didn't say that.

He has his job, I have mine.

He doesn't tell me how to scout,

and I don't tell him
how to run his army.

Well, nevertheless,
you must have some ideas.

Well, having an idea

and having to make a decision,

that's two different things.

Well, in any case,
what would you do?

You mean if I were
in command here?

Why, yes.

Well, I'd weigh
the values and...

try to make a decision
that would help

the greatest number of people...

just like your husband.

You men certainly do
stick together, don't you?

It works out better
that way, ma'am.

Good night.

Good night.

I waited up for you.

I just couldn't go to sleep

without telling you...

I'm sorry for the way I behaved.

Oh, that's all right.

Oh!

I just don't know
what gets into me.

I want so desperately
for you to have

the recognition you deserve.

Well, you do understand
that, now, don't you?

No, no, no,
now I want to finish.

Now, everybody knows
that you've tried

your best to prevent
trouble, they know that!

But now that it's here,

I just can't pretend
that I'm sorry.

Oh, I want so much
for both of us,

and this is your chance!

Why, you've been...

patient and kind
and understanding,

and it hasn't worked.

Well, now's your chance to do

what you came here to do

the only way they'll
ever hear about it...

By force.

Oh, you can do it
with a clear conscience.

You'd better read this.

I'm sending McCullough
with it in the morning.

"While I cannot accede
to your demand,

"neither do I want
w*r between us.

"Therefore, I propose
a third way,

"that you and your men
come to my fort as my...

"my honored guests,

"so that I may apologize
for the grief you have suffered,

and afterward we may sit down
together in friendship and understanding."

Have you taken leave
of your senses?

He knows I won't sacrifice
any of my men,

and he doesn't want w*r
any more than I do,

but he had to take a stand.

This gives him a way out
without losing face.

Supposing the assistant
secretary of w*r comes here

while you're playing
host to these savages.

Well, I imagine he'd find
it very interesting...

heh, different, anyway.

Well, I'm sure he would.

A colonel of
the United States Army

kowtowing to the people he
was sent out here to govern!

There's a phrase in the
Declaration of Independence...

"with the consent
of the governed."

Now, I can't hope the Indians
will go that far.

After all, they were here first.

But if we can
sugar-coat it a little,

it'll be worth our while.

Our trouble?!

You're not including me in this!

Well, you're the colonel's lady.

If you think that I'm gonna make

a social occasion out of this

and behave as if they're
honored guests...

You speak of them as savages.

They think of us the same way.

Oh...

I was hoping that this
would give both sides

a chance to learn something,

and it would help
if you would be a part of it.

Well, I won't be!

If you're gonna make
a fool of yourself,

I will not be dragged in on it.

Couldn't you try for my sake?

I can't and I won't,
is that clear?

I don't believe
you'll need any advice

from me on how to deal
with the Indians.

It won't be easy,
and when you get there

you'll have to play it by ear.

I don't think it's Thundercloud
I have to worry about.

It's the young braves,

like the hothead that
tried to knife me.

Well, if this works,
maybe it'll give the chief

enough prestige
to keep them in line.

Anyway, it's worth a try.

I'll do my best, Colonel.

Good luck. Thank you.

You come with answer?

I have.

The Colonel wrote it down

so there could be no mistake.

Here is his signature,
and here is his seal.

No want message.
You bring one soldier.

The Colonel, as a man
of honor, cannot do that,

but he agrees with Thundercloud.

You have been wronged.

He wants you and all your
braves to come to the fort

so that his soldiers
and your braves

can see that their
chiefs are friends.

My men are warriors.
I am their chief.

No go back on word to them.

When your warriors see
how the Colonel respects you,

you will seem
even stronger to them.

This has never happened
before, Thundercloud.

Your name will be spoken

by many tribes
throughout the land.

How I know we trust soldier now?

You have my word on it...

and you have the Colonel's word.

And if I didn't believe him,
I wouldn't be here.

They're coming, sir,
about two miles away.

Is the scout with
them? Yes, sir.

Good. Thank you.

Captain, there are two things

you might remember
about Indians.

They're curious, which is one

of the reasons
that they're here,

and they love a big show.

Let's give 'em one.

Have the men fall in.

Yes, sir.

First time I ever heard
of stacking arms

when Injuns was comin'.

Move along.

You sure this is all right?

It don't have to be
all right. It's an order!

This is liable to be a mighty
bald company before this is over.

Ooh, look at us!

I gather your party
is about to commence.

Yes.

What do you suppose I should
wear at this gala occasion?

I thought you decided
not to attend.

Well, I've changed my mind.

After all, you reminded me
I'm the colonel's lady.

What do you suppose
I should wear?

Oh, now, let's see.

Ah! I've been saving this one.

Do you suppose this would meet

with the chief's approval,

or should I wear
an Indian blanket

like all the rest of the squaws?

I think it would be wiser

if you stuck to
your original decision.

How formal we are.

What you really mean

is that you think I am drunk.

Why don't you say what you mean?

Clara, Clara, please!

You think I'm gonna disgrace you

in front of your
high-class friends.

I don't think we need
go into that.

Do you know why I drink?

Because I am bored!

I'm bored with this post,

I'm bored with your
precious Indians,

and I'm bored with you.

That is why sometimes
I take too much sherry,

keep myself from
getting bored to death.

Well, is that a crime?

I'd rather we kept
that between us.

Under the circumstances,
I think it's best you stay here.

That an order, sir?

Welcome to Fort Mason.

This is Captain Pearson.

We will eat together.

Have the men fall out.

Hup.

After you.

Thank you.

Pretty good-looking horses.

I wonder where they stole them.

Eat hearty, Captain.

Now we can talk as friends.

I'm sorry for what happened.

The men who did it
were new here.

They did not know
of our agreement.

It will not happen again.

You punish soldier here,
where everybody see.

Are you willing to do that
to your men?

My men no k*ll.

They were out
of their territory.

They broke the agreement, too.

Maybe so. No reason to k*ll.

That's why I've asked you here,

to put an end
to this senseless k*lling.

I hear words before.

Green Oak dead.

Will talk feed
Green Oak's squaw, papoose

when winter come?

I'm sure the Colonel

will have them taken care of.

You have my word on that.

That oughta satisfy you, Chief.

I want my men see
soldier punished here.

Doesn't look to me
like your braves

want to see anybody punished.

They just want to eat.

Shall we let them?

You want to try?

You try.

No, no. This side.

This side. Try.

That's good! That's good!

Come on, let him play some more.

Give him some encouragement.

That's good!
You know what to do.

Let him try.

Everybody try.

Come on!

Charles?

Clara.

Well, I couldn't pass
on such a lively party.

Here, give to me.

Aren't you gonna introduce me
to your guest of honor?

Chief Thundercloud,
this is my wife.

Well, I'm delighted
to make your acquaintance.

I've heard so much about you.

I'll get you a chair.

No! I don't want to sit down.

I want to dance!

Well!

I haven't danced like that
since I left Washington!

Why, thank you, Mr. McCullough.

Thank you, ma'am.

Perhaps you would like
some coffee, Clara.

Why, thank you!

Oh! Excuse me.

Our guest of honor first.

Of course,
it should be champagne,

but this is the best
we could do.

Perhaps Chief Thundercloud
doesn't care for coffee.

Nonsense! He'll like it.

It tastes good.

Ohh!

You clumsy savage!

You clumsy savage!

He's a savage!

Chief Thundercloud.
Thundercloud!

My dress. My new dress...

Come in. Thank you.

I followed Thundercloud back

and hung around till sunup.

There's no doubt about it.

They're getting up a w*r party.

You don't have a choice
any longer, Colonel.

I know. I knew it
the moment they left.

I guess I've just been
hoping for a miracle.

If we hurry, we can still
beat them to the wagon train.

Tell Captain Pearson
to break out the troop.

I'll be there
by the time they're ready.

Thank you.

Charles.

Well, Clara, you've won.

We're going to fight them.

We're leaving right away.

I promise you
I'll never drink again!

Never!

You won't have to be ashamed
of me ever again.

I've got to go, Clara.

You're angry at me.
I don't blame you.

I did terrible things.

Oh, you'll see,

everything will work out
after this is over.

I won't drink
ever again, I promise you.

We'll be happy,
the way we used to be.

No, Clara, not the way
we used to be.

It took a long time dying,

but it's gone.

All ready, sir.

Squad B will stay here
to protect the fort.

The rest ride out!

Forward! Hey-o!

There's the Indians'
camp, ma'am.

Now, if they were heading east,

they'd probably follow
this dry wash right here.

Thank you.
Would you have my horse

saddled right away, please?

You're not fixing to leave
the fort, are you, ma'am?

The Colonel wouldn't like that.

I'll take the responsibility.

Yes, ma'am, but...
Right away, please.

Yes, ma'am.

Which way?

This way'll get us
to the wagon train faster.

Please, help me.

Take me to Thundercloud.

She was looking for you,

but one of your men
saw her first.

Don't blame my husband

or the others

for what I did to you.

Please forgive me.

We'd better be
shoving on, Colonel.

Good luck, Major.

Thank you, sir. Same to you.

Good luck.

Good luck, sir.

Dismiss the men, Captain.

Yes, sir.

You're, uh, sure of
your decision, Colonel?

It's a big job, you know,

advisor to the president
on Indian affairs,

and, uh, a star goes with it.

I'd rather stay here,
if they'd allow my request.

Well, I... I'm sure they will.

I'll say good-bye,
then, Colonel.

Good-bye, sir, and thank you.

You know, I never did understand
just what that woman

was doing out here
all by herself.

What'd she do, get lost?

For a while.

Not at the end, though.

Let's go. Wagons h*!