09x09 - The Empire Builders

[bunniefuu]

Get those last two grain
sacks on, and get that
wagon out of there.

How long before
you get these
cars unloaded?

We've got 3 to
4 more hours,
mr. Wilkins.

The men are
working as fast as
they possibly can.

I got another
supply train due
in this evening

With 15 flatcars
full of rail.

I want it spotted
right here, so, when
you're done with this,

Have barney switch
these cars over to
the north spur.

It's as good as done.

Untie those crates
and get them up on
the loading dock.

We've got to have
this train out of
here really quick.

I don't think I've
ever seen springfield
this busy before.

What do you suppose
is going on?

I don't know.
Come on.

Man: move them barrels
and the crate over, too.

Excuse me.
Today's express
shipment come in?

Well, not yet, they cut
the express car into the
president's special today

Instead of sending
her down by the
regular train.

It should be
here anytime.

The president's
special...

Does that mean
the president of
the united states?

No, of course not.

Mr. Spencer hollingsworth,

President of the minneapolis
and western railroad.

He's coming down to
personally inspect the progress
on the western extension.

[Train whistle]

Well,
that should
be it now.

Thank you.

Man: come back, [indistinct]
wagon over there.

[Train whistles]

- Mr. Hollingsworth.
- Wilkins.

- Hollingsworth.
- Hobson, come with me.

Got a shipment
for hanson's mill?

Could be.
I'll check.

Oh, jim!

Thank you.

Clerk: you from walnut grove?

That's right,
walnut grove.

Yeah, walnut
grove, is
it there?

Clerk: it's here.

Hollingsworth: you gentlemen
mentioned walnut grove?

Yes.

Let me introduce myself.

I'm spencer hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth:
I'm the president
of this railroad.

- Isaiah edwards.
- Almanzo wilder.

You're probably very busy,
but I wonder if you could
spare me a few moments.

I'd like to talk to you.

Well, we got this
crate here to load
in our wagon.

- Now, wilkins?
- Yes, sir?

Get some of the boys to
load this crate into
mr. Edwards' wagon.

Wilkins: yes, sir.

I think we got time.

Well, why don't
you join me in my
car for a drink?

Right this way,
gentlemen.

Would scotch be
all right?

Oh, actually,
we're not much
into hard liquor.

I used to.
It kind of
backfired on me.

Well, to tell the truth,
I prefer a nice, cool
glass of lemonade myself

On a hot day
like this.

Yeah, me, too.

Yeah, that'd
be fine.

Why don't you
make yourselves
at home?

I'll be
right back.

Thank you.

Boy, it sure would
be nice to have
a lot of money.

Well, money won't
buy happiness,

But you can look for
it in fancier places.

Ha ha ha!

Hollingsworth:
here we are, gentlemen.

Joe, why don't you
set it down here?

- Yes, sir.
- Thank you.

The reason I
wanted to talk to
you, gentlemen,

Is to ask for
your cooperation.

Sit down,
will you?

Hollingsworth: now...

The minneapolis and western
railroad's been given a charter

To build straight across
to the pacific ocean.

After a big deal
of deliberation,

We have selected walnut grove
to be the first division point

West of minneapolis.

Now, that's going to be
very good for your town.

But it will require
a few sacrifices to
make it work out.

We're surveying
the route right now,

And we'll need to obtain
some easements for
our right of way.

We also want to build
a roundhouse, and
a service facility,

For the locomotives,
and that will have
to be a big parcel

Right outside of town.

Now, we're prepared
to pay a fair price
for everything.

Well, what can
we do to help?

Ah.

Now, I want you to
talk to your friends,
to your neighbors.

You tell them what
I just told you.

Enlist their
support on
our behalf.

I don't think
that'll take a whole
lot of talking.

I'm sure the whole
town would like
to help.

Well, I'm glad
to hear that.

[Knock on door]

It's all
loaded, sir.

Edwards:
oh, thank you.

Gentlemen, I'd
like you to meet
harlam wilkins.

He's our
superintendent
of construction.

And over there is
stuart hobson, he's
our chief surveyor.

Pleased to
meet you.

- Same here.
- Howdy.

All right, gentlemen, I
know you're busy, I won't
detain you any longer.

I just want to
thank you for
your cooperation.

We do
appreciate it.

Well, we're the
ones who should
be thanking you.

You're giving us
something we've
all wanted

For a long time.

- It's been a pleasure.
- Likewise.

- Thank you.
- Good day, then.

Bye-bye.

They seem
reasonable enough.

We shouldn't have
any problems in
walnut grove.

We won't.

Joseph!

Isn't it lovely?

Almanzo:
it looks real good.

After all, the
railroad deserves
a proper welcome.

They're about
to help us emerge
from the dark ages.

Dr. Baker: I agree.
It's going to be a great
thing for this town.

Oh, particularly
for the merchants.

I wish I could
be as sure as
all of you.

I'm just afraid
it'll change the
town too much.

Change is exactly what
this town needs, my dear.

With a bit of luck,

The railroad might
help us bring some
culture to this town.

Ah, yes, I can
see it now...

An opening of
an art museum.

Oh, come on, harriet,
a big city might
have an art museum--

Oh, well, now,
mr. Edwards,

After all,
walnut grove
is going to be

The largest railroad center
in all of minnesota.

Harriet: so, we
will have an opening
of an art museum...

And a theater.

Well, one thing's
for sure,

The town's sure
going to grow.

Almanzo: that's right,
we might even get

Tree-lined
neighborhood streets.

Dr. Baker: and
dozens of businesses.

Give oleson's
mercanteel a little
competition.

Oleson's mercantile
will be the largest

And the finest of
them all, dr. Baker.

Don't you think
you're all getting

Just a little bit
carried away?

Harriet: possibly.

However, no one can deny
that this railroad
is going to help

Everyone concerned
with walnut grove, huh?

I hope so.

In the meantime, we
do need some things
from the store.

Oh, certainly.
Come on, laura.

And I got
a patient
to see.

Almanzo:
see you, doc.

Hey, almanzo,
you got a couple
of minutes?

I'd like to
talk to you
about something.

Well, sure.

You know, I've
been thinking.

You know, the railroad's
going to need a whole
lot of lumber,

What with all the
building they're
going to be doing,

And why can't we
be the ones that
supply it to them?

There's no reason
I can think of.

Well, I mean,
it's going to
mean more work.

Can you put in
the extra hours?

Don't worry,
I'll put in as
many as it takes.

You know,
if this job
gets big enough,

We might have
to hire some
extra help.

Well, then,
we'll hire them.

All right, I'll get
something written down
on paper tonight.

You know, old
hatchet-face harriet
might be right for once,

You know, everybody
is going to benefit.

[Laughter]

Whoa, ho!

Land sakes...

It's a whole tent
city right on the
outskirts of town.

Oh, it'll be 3
times this size by
the end of next week.

- Is that a fact?
- Yes, sir.

That's very
impressive.

I must say, though,
we weren't exactly
expecting a saloon.

Let me tell
you something,
reverend alden.

We're working
3 shifts a day,

7 Days a week,
24 hours a day,

And these men need
a place to blow off a
little steam and relax.

And that's the place.

And you might
even call that
a necessity.

I--i suppose I
can understand
that, it's...

Just it's a
little unusual
to have such...

Such an
establishment
nearby.

Hobson: I wouldn't
be overly concerned,
reverend.

Once the line's
in and the
structures are up,

That'll come down
practically overnight.

It'll be hard for
you to remember that
it was ever here.

Yes, I'm--i'm
sure of that--

Wilkins: I'll need
another survey

On these two sections,
right there...

- And right there.
- All right.

Well, i...
I guess I'll
be moving on.

Rev. Alden: it's
certainly exciting.

It was nice to see
you, reverend.

Wilkins: uh, I think we
can fill in this gully
here easy enough.

Right there.

Let's get started on
that right away, huh?

After the track
swings around
the hill,

It'll cross the road
right there.

- Uh-huh.
- Now...

I want to put
the depot in this
lot right here.

Good.

We put a
cut through
that hill,

We'll build
the roundhouse
and the yard

In the large
area on the
other side.

Excellent.

Laura: listening
to harriet oleson
and doc baker,

It sounds like we're
going to become
another chicago.

Doc baker,
of all people.

Well, I don't
think we're going to
get the art museum

Or the hospital
they're talking
about right away,

But it looks like
we're going to get
a piece of the pie.

Isaiah and I are going
after a lumber contract
with the railroad.

If we get it,
it'll mean a
lot more money.

Well, at least
there's one ray
of sunshine.

It really has you
worried, doesn't it?

I just don't want to
see anything happen
to walnut grove.

I don't think you have
to worry about that much.

Laura: oh, I wouldn't
be so sure.

I mean, the railroad
nearly destroyed the
town a few years ago

With that embargo.

Laura: it was 20 miles
away when it did that.

What's it going to do
right in our midst?

Almanzo:
afternoon, gentlemen.

Hobson: afternoon.

Now, how'd it go with
the easements to the
east side of town?

They were very
cooperative.

Haven't talked to
john carter yet.

Don't expect
he'll be any too
happy to find out

The track's going
to go straight
through his barnyard.

There's no
way to avoid it,
I really tried.

Who have we got
on the other
side of town?

Well, the large area
belongs to him,
almanzo wilder.

We met him and
his friend back in
springfield, remember?

Oh, yeah.

Well, he seemed
genuinely concerned
in wanting to help,

But...his house
is on part of
the area we need.

Do we have any
alternatives?

There's nothing
anywhere near town
that's as suitable.

All right,
I'll take care of
mr. Wilder, too.

[School bell ringing]

Oh, willie,
you'll be late!

Willie: coming.

I don't know why it is
your sister can always
get to school on time.

Sorry, ma.

Look at you!

Why is it you're
always so sloppy?

I'm not so sloppy!

Well, you could have
fooled me. Tuck in
your shirttail.

Don't you know that
the children of walnut
grove's leading citizens

Have to look
distinguished?

- Aw, ma...
- "Aw, ma!" Go on!

Whoa,
willie!

Willie:
sorry, reverend.

Harriet:
oh, for heaven's sakes!

Good morning,
harriet.

Good morning, oh!

Reverend alden,
are you all right?

I'm fine.

How's business?

Oh, it's just
wonderful.

You know,
that railroad's
the best thing

That ever happened
to walnut grove.
[Laughs]

Don't you agree?

[Drunken laughter]

I'm hoping
so, harriet.

Well, I'm sorry,
I can't give
you more time.

I'll let
you know our
decision.

Decision? There
is no decision,
mr. Carter.

Now, the work crew's going
to be tearing these buildings
down a week from today.

I said I'd
let you know.

Ya!

[Saw buzzes]

Well, this
takes care of the
mcallister order.

Now we can get
our minds on that
railroad contract.

You got those
figures with you?

Yeah, right here
in my pocket.

Well, I don't
think we'll have
to go to them.

They're coming to us.

Well, well, well,
happy to see you,
mr. Wilkins.

Is that a fact?

Yes, sir,
it sure is.

Now, we figured
on paying you
a visit,

But I reckon you got
the same thing on your
mind we got on ours.

Oh, what might
that be?

Isaiah: lumber.

Ain't it come
to your notice

We got the only
mill here in town?

I noticed.

Isaiah: well, with all
the building you're
going to have to do,

You won't get a fairer price.
- That's right.

The way I got it
figured here, you
give us maybe 2,

3 Weeks to stockpile--
here's what we can
do for you.

Sorry, it's out
of the question.

Why? We can give
you a bargain.

The lumber contract's
all taken care of.

One of the company's
subsidiaries.

Oh.

Wilkins: matter
of fact, I came on
a different matter

That concerns you, mr. Wilder.

What's that?

I'll get straight
to the point.

The railroad needs
your farm for the
walnut grove yard.

The whole farm?

The whole farm.

Wilkins: now, I've
prepared a bill of sale.

You sign it, company
will forward you
a check for $1,200--

I'm sure you'll agree,
that's a fair price.

Edwards:
fair to who?

With the price of
land going sky-high,

You'd need twice that
much to buy half of
what he's already got.

I don't think
I can make
a better offer.

Well, I'm not going
to ask you to, I
don't want to sell.

When the united
states congress
granted our charter,

They gave us the
right to buy up
any land we need.

I'm afraid you
don't have a choice
in the matter.

Wilkins: if you've
any doubts about that,
consult a lawyer.

Oh, I will, mr.
Wilkins, and you can
just count on that.

I can give you
a little more time than
the others to move out.

Wilkins: say, two,
two and a half weeks?

Others?

What others?

Webster,
mcallister...

Evans, carter.

John carter?

That's right.
He only has a week.

[Clicks tongue]

6 Of his men are
supposed to be
fully deputized.

Wilkins seems to think
he can just come in here
and run us all out.

What are you
going to do?

Laura and me, we're
going to sleepy eye to
see a lawyer tomorrow.

We'd like
you both to
come along.

No. I'm sure you'll
find out what we
all need to know.

What if we find out the
law's all on their side?

Then it's a law
to be ashamed of.

Property
is property.

What we own is
what we work
and sweat for.

What we own is
a part of us.

If our government
doesn't respect that,

Then I don't
know where our
country's heading.

I don't know either, john.
I sure don't know.

John: one way or
another, I'm staying...

Because I've
got a promise
to keep.

Remember?

When we first
moved here.

You asked me to promise
that we'd never have
to move anywhere else.

I remember, john.

Oh...it's so
frightening.

Well, I wish I could
tell you something
encouraging,

But I'm afraid
there's nothing
much you can do.

You see, the united states
government reserves the
right of eminent domain.

Now, in essence,
that means they can
take private property

For any use they
think will benefit
the public as a whole.

Atty. Webb: now, congress
feels that opening the pacific
northwest for settlers

Is in the best interests
of the country,

And the minneapolis
and western railroad

Is the quickest way
to accomplish it.

Therefore, they're doing
everything they can to
get it built quickly.

You're telling us
the government

Not only condones what
the railroad's doing,

They're actually
responsible?

Atty. Webb:
that about sums it up.

And there's nothing we
can do to save our farm?

Well, you could
maybe go into court
and try to fight it,

But I think it
would cost you every
cent you've got,

And I would be
willing to bet

That the court would rule
in favor of the railroad.

The truth of the matter
is, they as much as
own the country,

Generally get
anything they want.

It isn't fair.

Atty. Webb: no,
it's not, mrs. Wilder.

But there's nothing you
and I can do about it.

And I'm afraid my best advice
is take whatever you can get.

Maybe you can argue
them into paying
you more, maybe not.

In any case, it's the
only choice you've got.

Well, what do
I owe you?

Oh, nothing.

I'm afraid I
haven't been much
help to you.

Thank you,
mr. Webb.

Good luck.

Their backs are
against the wall,
I'm afraid.

Well, what choice
have they got?

They certainly
can't stand in the
way of progress.

Well? They can't!

Railroad's
a wonderful thing
for walnut grove,

But it just
doesn't seem right
that some people

Should have to be
hurt so the rest
of us can benefit.

Oh, well, hello,
mr. Hobson, nice
to see you again.

Hobson:
mrs. Oleson.

What can I do
for you today?

Hobson:
I have a list of
supplies we need.

Could you have them
delivered to the
surveyor's tent?

I certainly will.

I'd best be going.

- See you later, reverend.
- Yes, indeed.

Hobson: reverend?

Reverend...

I'd just like
you to know
how sorry I am

About what's
happened.

I really wish we
could have avoided
those farms.

Well, I suppose
you were just
doing your job.

Yeah, my job.

You know, I thought
building a railroad

Clear across the
country would be
a great adventure.

It was as long
as we were on
government lands.

Then we hit
the farms and the
homesteads, and...

Now it seems
like every
decision I make

Is shattering
someone's life.

Who knows how many
more are to come?

A trail of people
from here to
the pacific.

You're not like
the others.

What are you doing
tied in with them?

I started working
for spencer
hollingsworth

Surveying small
mining railroads
in colorado,

And when he decided
to build the
transcontinental,

He asked me if I
wanted to survey it.

I thought it would
be my big chance

To do something
really important
with my life.

It isn't what I
expected, though.

I guess big-time
railroad construction

Requires someone
a little more...

Callous.

Like mr. Wilkins?

Yeah.

See, reverend,
he and the others

Are so wrapped up
in their empire
building,

They've forgotten
they're dealing
with people.

Hobson: for them, the
farmers around here
are just an obstacle,

Like a tree or mountain,
something to be pushed
out of the way,

And they do push.

The saddest part
about all of this

Is nobody's going
to do anything,

Because everyone's
afraid to stand up
to the railroad.

Would it do
any good?

Hobson: no. Probably
get somebody k*lled.

And I'd have to
live with that.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't
be burdening you
with my problems.

Rev. Alden: my friends tell
me I'm a good listener.

As pastor of the church,
it's a valuable trait.

Well, they are lucky to
have you as a friend.

Consider yourself
one of them.

Thank you, reverend,
I'd like that.

I still can't believe
this is happening
in this country.

You work and save for
a piece of land that
you can call your own,

And some stranger
comes along,

And says, "get out,
here's some money.

Take it
or leave it."

I know, I know.

Beth, if they offered me
10 times as much money,
I wouldn't want to sell.

I mean, this land...

It's part of us now.

You know what I'm saying?

Of course I do.

Beth, I'm not
going to sell,

I'm not going
to let them take
the land away.

It might be a good idea...

If you and the baby
spent some time in
town for a while.

Why?

Well, sweetheart, I
don't know how rough the
railroad's going to get.

I'm not leaving.

Beth--

Laura: this is our land,

And we fight
for it together.

I'm a lot tougher than
you think, mr. Wilder.

I know you are,
mrs. Wilder.

Then we stay together?

We stay together.

Now, mrs. Oleson,
I can't handle it.

You've just got
to come over here
and help me.

Man: hey, back there,
how about taking my order?

Man 2: how about
bringing mine?

Well, all right,
but you hurry up,

After all, these men
can't get enough
home cooking.

[Door bell chimes]

Who are you
saving this for?

Big arnie.

Well, he ain't here.
I'm going to take it.

I wouldn't advise that.

You aiming to stop me?

Nope, just
wouldn't advise it.

Willie: why'd
I have to come?

Harriet: you heard what
hester-sue told me.
She's short-handed.

This is our
business, so we both
have to pitch in.

This isn't fair.

Oh, fair's
fair's fair.

Willie:
the stagecoach's coming.

Harriet: ah, bringing
more business, I hope.

Morning,
mrs. Oleson.

Oh, morning,
hank.

- They're so beautiful!
- Shh!

Don't you wish
nancy could grow up
looking like them?

Shh, for shame!
Go on, go on!

The saloon's down at
the other end of the
town, there, ladies.

Thought I told you
to save me a spot.

I did.

Man: this here fellow
had other ideas.

This a good place
to stay?

Harriet: oh,
yes, indeed.

It's walnut grove's finest.

Mrs. Oleson
here owns it.

She'll take real
good care of you.

Harriet: yes,
would you like--

And stay out.

Is there, um...any
other accommodations
here in town?

Well, there's a
rooming house right
above doc baker's.

- Not very--
- I think that'll be just fine.

Harriet: oh, don't
look at me like that!

Oh, my restaurant!
What on earth...

Hank: giddyup.

Look at this!

Oh, look
at my window!
Who did this?

Nels!

Afternoon,
gentlemen.

Nothing good about it
where he's concerned.

Still waiting on
that signed bill of
sale, mr. Wilder.

You can just
go on waiting.

You won't get john
carter's, and you
won't get mine.

Is that so?

As a matter of fact,
we've been talking to
some of the other men

You're thinking
of doing out of
their property.

And they're
thinking of
joining us.

Let me tell
you something,
mr. Wilder...

No leaning on
my friend, friend.

You said your piece.

Why don't you just
be on your way?

Well, you
have some time
to reconsider.

I know you'll do
the right thing.

That looks nice.

Thanks.

You almost done? Got
a pot of coffee on.

Any gingerbread left?

Mm-hmm.

Then I'm done.

[Laughs]

Look.

John: get my g*n.

You children
stay inside!

This is private
property, wilkins.

You're
trespassing.

Ah, you and your
friends are trying
my patience, carter.

Now, I want that
bill of sale, and
I want it right now.

Get it.

Get it.

Well, well, could it be
that somebody's finally
decided to be reasonable?

You got it.

You're making a big
mistake, mister.

Come on.

John.

It's all right.

Let's go inside.

- Mr. Hollingsworth, welcome.
- Wilkins.

Nice to see you.

Mr. Hollingsworth!

Ah, hobson, how
are you doing?

Fine, how are things
at springfield?

All progressing
right on schedule.

Hollingsworth:
supplies have all
arrived, hiring more men.

We should start
construction
within a week.

You know, I really
wish we could route
through tracy.

Hobson: there's a much
better grade along
the cottonwood river,

And besides the
folks are all for it.

What's bothering
you, hobson?

Nothing, I'm just
concerned about
the farmers.

I'm concerned about them,
too, especially the ones
that are holding out.

They've been giving
us some problems, but
nothing to worry about.

When we start laying
track, we can't afford
to stop for anything.

Now, I trust you'll do
whatever is necessary
to clear them out.

Whatever's
necessary.

Wilkins:
you can count on it.

Oh, wilkins, come
over here for a
minute, will you?

[Door slamming]

What is it?

Sounds like
the barn door.

I must not have
latched it tight.

I'll be right back.

[Wind blowing]

[Horse whinnies]

John: easy, boy,
easy, boy, easy, boy.

Easy, boy, easy.

[Door slamming]

John?

John?

[Horse whinnies]

John, are you in here?

John!

John.

[Knock on door]

Mr. Hobson,
come in.

I just heard.
How is he?

Well, they
b*at him up
pretty badly.

But dr. Baker
thinks he'll
be all right.

He was lucky
no bones were
broken.

Ahh, that's
a blessing.

I was afraid
something like this
was going to happen.

Some of wilkins'
deputized hooligans
just rode out

To take possession
of the property.

Hobson: they plan to occupy
it till the construction
crew can lay track across.

Can they do that?

They seem to be
able to do almost
anything they please.

Hobson: see, they
feel they have to.

The carter property is the
key to this entire thing.

Without it,
the railroad
can't reach town.

- Is that a fact?
- Sure.

They'd have no choice
but to run the main
line through tracy.

How difficult
would that be?

Well, I'd have
to do a survey,

But I can't see that it
would be that difficult.

Hobson: besides, the
people at tracy really
want the railroad.

Well, well, well.

Do you have
something on your
mind, almanzo?

Yeah, a way
to persuade
those people

To go through
tracy and leave
walnut grove alone.

Almanzo: how much
would a nice, long
delay cost them?

How do you mean?

I mean if they
can't get on the
carter property

For a week or more.

Oh, one day would
cost them a fortune.

They've got an entire
army of workers coming
in here tomorrow.

How long would it
take you to do the
survey on tracy?

Almanzo:
all the facts and figures.

A couple days,
at least.

Almanzo: well,
that's it, then.

We take back that
property and hold it
at least that long.

Do you really
think you can
do it?

It's going to be
my pleasure to try.

All right, fitzgerald and
I are going to do a route
feasibility study

From sleepy eye to
this point on the
cottonwood river.

Now, I want you and whitney
to do a study from here
all the way into tracy.

I need to know
where the trestles' cuts
and fills are required,

I need to know the
estimated construction
cost per mile,

And, lester, I need
it in a hurry.
Can you do it?

You know I can.

All right.

Whoa!

Howdy!

Man:
something you want?

No, I got
something you
want--fried chicken.

Mr. Wilkins thought
you might like
some victuals.

Darn right
we would.

Good.

Well, thank
wilkins for us.

You bet.

Dig in.

Edwards: all right, mister,

You don't want
that chicken to be
your last meal,

You leave that r*fle
set where it's at.

You're responsible
for this, wilkins.

I told you I
couldn't afford
any delay.

There won't be any.

You give me the
word, I'll take
my men in there.

I don't want
any killings.

Can't have your cake
and eat it, too.

Maybe I can.

I want you to
spread the word
in walnut grove...

That I'd like to speak to
the wives of the men that
are holding the carter place.

Hollingsworth:
it's 3:00 now.

4:00 This afternoon
at the church.

What for?

Just do it!

Hollingsworth:
I figure the only
way to avoid trouble

Is to bring my case
to you ladies.

I've already told
you that one way
or the other,

The railroad's
going to be built
on schedule.

But I feel if you can
go out there and talk
to your husbands,

You could make them
see the light.

Hollingsworth:
any questions?

How long
do we have?

You have until 8:00
tomorrow morning.

Hollingsworth:
I'm going to count on
you, little ladies.

Mr. Wilkins...

Wilkins: ladies.

What are we
going to do?

There's only one
thing we can do.

15 More minutes.

You should've just
let me take the boys
in there yesterday.

We could have
been working
by now.

Ah, you were
saying, wilkins?

Huh.

Almanzo: what are
you women doing here?

Laura: you'll see.

What do you think
they're doing?

Laura:
mr. Hollingsworth!

It's not just our husbands
who own this land!

We own it, too!

We've sweated over
it every bit as
hard as they have,

And we're not giving it up
to you or anybody else!

Laura:
so, if you want it...

You're going to
have to take it!

Well?

Just shut up
a minute.

Mr. Hollingsworth,
you can't afford
to fight women.

- The publicity...
- Don't you think I know that?

There's another way.

How?

Hobson: lester and I
did a preliminary study
routing through tracy.

There's no significant
difference in cost
between the two.

We have money invested
in walnut grove, I'm
not going to lose it.

A long delay would
cost a lot more.

Huh.

All right.

Start changing the
base of operation
to tracy, wilkins.

All right.

[Whistles]

If they went to get
more men, it won't
do them any good.

They're routing
through tracy,
you won!

[Whooping and hollering]

[Door bell chimes]

I'd like
to settle
our account.

Yes,
of course.

Your file is at
the mercantile.
Get out of my way!

He's mine.

Wilkins!

What do you
want, carter?

Just didn't want
you to leave

Without me
getting a chance
to say good-bye.

John:
your turn, wilkins.

Come on.

I wouldn't bother
dirtying my hands,
farmer.

John: that's right,
I'm a farmer.

All of us here are
just small potatoes
to people like you,

But we b*at you,
didn't we?

John: we b*at you and
the railroad and all
your empire builders.

Folks like us
are always going
to b*at you,

Because we love this
country and this land.

And we're not
going to let
anybody destroy it.

Good-bye, mr. Wilkins.

Laura: the railroad
changed their route, and
tracy became a boomtown,

Filled with gamblers,
drifters, and the like.

Walnut grove remained
the same--a quiet country town

With people who cared about
each other and loved the land.