- 6 weeks ago
The townspeople of North Fork begin to get suspicious when Lucas is named as the beneficiary in the will of an infamous outlaw.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The Rifleman, starring Chuck Connors.
00:30Mr. Britton, yes? Dave Stafford, come in, Stafford, I've been expecting you.
00:46And you're everything I expected. And may I say, sir, that I am rather partial to wealthy
00:50men like yourself. I wrote you about my situation. Do you think you can help?
00:56I've sold everything from watered stock to gold bricks. In this case, Mr. Stafford, you're
01:00going to have to sell yourself to a whole town called North Fork.
01:05All you said in your letter was that the railroad was putting in a spur and...
01:09That's correct. It's either coming here or to North Fork. Your job will be to see that
01:14it doesn't go to North Fork. By ingratiating myself with the townspeople?
01:20That's the general idea. I'd prefer you didn't use your gun. But if necessary...
01:30Thank you. Come spring, the town council of North Fork will choose someone to go talk to
01:36the railroad people for them. I'd like that someone to be you. Mr. Britton, the people
01:42of North Fork just got themselves a representative.
02:04Snow's all gone. There sure is a favoring wind.
02:10Due East. You've got a good wind finger, Mark. What does Due East mean?
02:17Spring rains coming on? That's right. There is a new storm brewing.
02:21You sure know a lot about a lot of things. Well, you will too, son, when you get to be
02:25an old man like me.
02:30Morning, Mark. Lucas. Morning, Dave. Hi, Mr. Stafford. Hi. Buy yourself a ranch yet?
02:35I haven't found the right parcel yet. You know, when you're planning on settling in a town,
02:39buying yourself a spread is a pretty important decision to make. But I must have talked to
02:43most everybody here in North Fork about it. Care for a cup of coffee?
02:46He's just read my mind.
02:48People around here don't usually warm up the strangers, Dave. But they sure have taken a liking to you.
02:53I like people. People like me. It's, uh, sort of catching, I guess.
02:58You know, Lucas, I got a lot of faith in this town. And that railway spur should really boom our castle shipments.
03:05Well, I wish I could be as sure if it's coming here as you are.
03:07When you get to Yuma, you'll convince those railroad men that we should get the spur instead of center city.
03:12Now, hold on now, Mark. The council won't decide that till tomorrow. Anyway, I think Dave here's the best choice.
03:18He already knows some of those railroad people. Well, if they do send me, I'll want the benefit of your thoughts, Lucas.
03:24We're all interested in what's best for North Fork.
03:27You bet, Mr. Stafford. Best for North Fork and worst for Center City.
03:45I, uh...
03:48After due consideration, we've decided that our interests can best be served by a man who's already got his stake planted here in North Fork.
04:01Lucas McCain.
04:02You're going to Yuma, Pa!
04:07Congratulations, Lucas.
04:08Thanks, John.
04:09Dave, you were our second choice. We carefully weighed your previous dealings with the railroad people.
04:14I'm just sorry we haven't known you as long as we have, Lucas.
04:17That's all right, John, and I understand. I'm sorry, Dave.
04:20There's nothing to be sorry about. You should be happy that the townsfolk have so much faith in you.
04:24Thanks.
04:26We're all with you, Lucas. Here, you'll need these surveys when you get to Yuma. Take good care of them, huh?
04:30I will.
04:32Let's see.
04:34Pa?
04:35Huh?
04:36When we get that railroad spur here in North Fork, that'll mean that you'll ship your cattle by train, won't it?
04:41Yes, why?
04:42Well, then I can go with you. I haven't been on a train since I was a kid.
04:47Well, that's a long time ago, isn't it? You probably can't remember that far back.
04:51You know, son, we don't have this spur yet. I'm going to have to do an awful lot of selling to bring it here.
04:56And if I do, it'll still take a long time to build.
04:59Lucas, how about some coffee to celebrate?
05:02What?
05:03And some sasbrella for Mark.
05:05Oh, boy!
05:07I'll call.
05:21Three aces and fair for it.
05:24This just isn't your day, Dave.
05:27Can't change the spots on them if they aren't there.
05:31Same game, gentlemen.
05:33Where do you plan to buy your livestock, Dave?
05:35Well, I saw some good stock down in Texas I could have for a price.
05:39Soon as I close the deal on my ranch, I'll have them shipped in.
05:42Excuse me.
05:48Marshal, I'm a lawyer, Marcus Trimble.
05:52Excuse me, Marshal.
06:09I'm a lawyer, Marcus Trimble.
06:11I just got off the stage from Santa Fe.
06:14I'm Micah Torrance.
06:15This is our banker, John Hamilton.
06:17What can we do for you, Mr. Trimble?
06:19Well, gentlemen, a few weeks ago,
06:21I was sitting in the hotel at Santa Fe
06:24when Wade Joyner was shot.
06:26One thing about outlaws shooting each other,
06:28it saves our marshals a lot of work.
06:29Well, Joyner was practically gunned in my lap.
06:33He paid me to take his last will and testament.
06:36This is it.
06:37Most guns don't have time to labor, Will.
06:39Well, Joyner left $500.
06:42Now, I have to be sure that it's delivered to the rightful heir.
06:45Do you mean he left money to someone here in North Fork?
06:47All $500.
06:47And I had some trouble locating the man mentioned here in the will.
06:51It's a man named Lucas McCain.
06:54Lucas McCain?
06:58Let me see that.
07:00Well, now, gentlemen, I am a stickler for detail.
07:04There were four witnesses who heard every word
07:06that Joyner said they're all reputable citizens.
07:09Their signatures are right there.
07:12Of course, you may check the document if you care to,
07:14but I assure you it's bona fide through and through.
07:17Little guy in the other room really dropped some news just now.
07:30Like what, Phil?
07:31Wade Joyner left Lucas McCain $500.
07:35Wade Joyner, the train robber?
07:37Same guy.
07:38Lucas McCain?
07:39Why would it leave him money?
07:41Are you sure?
07:41Absolutely.
07:42The will's plastered with signatures.
07:47Lucas McCain.
07:49Just shows you you can never tell about people.
07:52Hmm.
07:53I hope this news doesn't get back to you, man.
07:56What do you mean?
07:57Wade Joyner held up a lot of trains in his time.
08:00Yeah, that's right.
08:03That's not going to help Lucas to sell the rail spur.
08:05That's for sure.
08:07Deal me out.
08:08I'm going to talk to Hamilton and Micah.
08:09You think he should?
08:10Why, I sure do.
08:12I've got a lot of cattle.
08:13I'm not sure Lucas is the man to send a human now.
08:18I'm still showing three tens, Dave.
08:21Full house.
08:22Looks like your luck is changing.
08:24Seems so.
08:25But, Pa, Wade Joyner must have known you.
08:41It don't make sense a man leaving money to somebody you don't know.
08:44Look, if we knew each other, Mark, don't you think I'd remember him?
08:47Well, sure, Pa, but you could have...
08:48There's no buts about it, Mark.
08:49I never knew Wade Joyner.
08:51Well, then why'd he leave you all his money?
08:52That's what we're in town for, to find out.
08:55Well, one thing, Paul.
08:56You're always saying how we're short on cash.
08:59I guess we can sure use $500.
09:03Mark, money's nothing but paper and green ink.
09:05The thing that gives it value is how it's earned.
09:08Now, an outlaw's money is never earned.
09:10It's not the kind we want.
09:13Want me to go get Micah?
09:15Yes, son, you do that.
09:16I'll be over at Mr. Hamilton's.
09:17Drink up, McCain.
09:28No, thanks.
09:29In memory of our old pal, Wade.
09:32Take your bottle.
09:33Any man good enough to ride with Wade Joyner is good enough to drink with me.
09:36What's the matter?
09:37You too good to drink our whiskey?
09:39There's your bottle.
09:41You shouldn't have done that, McCain.
09:44You dirty wolf!
09:45Thanks, Dave.
10:12Always a pleasure to employ the manly art of self-defense on behalf of a friend.
10:20You all right, Paul?
10:21Sure, son, I'm fine.
10:22Now, you and Hank, clear out or I'll lock you both up.
10:26Looks like your storm's coming on, Paul.
10:28It looks like a big one.
10:30What was the fight all about, Lucas?
10:31Well, they figured any friend of Joyner's was a friend of theirs.
10:34Dave gave me a hand.
10:35Mark tells me you don't even remember meeting Joyner.
10:38That's right, Micah.
10:38I saw the will, Lucas.
10:40There's no question about it being authentic.
10:42You must have known Joyner someplace.
10:44Well, that's what everybody says.
10:45But there's just one person who doesn't agree.
10:48Me.
10:53Oh, John.
10:54Lucas.
10:55What's this all about?
10:56Well, we were hoping you could tell us, Lucas.
10:59I gather you're Lucas McCain.
11:01What?
11:02The name's Trimble.
11:03I'm giving you due and legal notice of your inheritance.
11:06You may read all about it in this copy.
11:09That finishes my business.
11:11Good day, gentlemen.
11:12Hold on, Mr. Trimble.
11:15I don't know any Wade Joyner.
11:16Neither did I, Mr. McCain.
11:18I just happened to be unlucky enough to be there when he died.
11:21Well, it could be a mistake.
11:22Maybe there's another Lucas McCain.
11:25Is your name Mark, son?
11:27Yes, sir.
11:28It's all there, Mr. McCain.
11:30Joyner mentioned you had a boy, Mark.
11:33There's no mistake.
11:34Now, I'll see if the money is sent to you by a separate packet.
11:37Once again, gentlemen, good day.
11:46Well, we believe you, Lucas.
11:48We're your friends.
11:49But those Eastern Railroad men who don't know you from Adam,
11:53all men like that believe Watson black and white.
11:55What are you trying to say to me?
11:58Well, I talked to Micah, and he discussed it with John,
12:00and I took a vote from some of the others, and...
12:03Well, go on.
12:05Well, maybe we ought to send somebody else to you, Matt.
12:08You mean because a man I don't know left me some money I don't want?
12:12Suddenly I'm a different person?
12:14Now, hold on, Lucas.
12:15They're thinking with their pocketbooks.
12:17You can't blame them for that.
12:19These railroad men will think you rode with Wade Joyner,
12:21he's leaving you money.
12:22Rode with Wade Joyner?
12:23I never laid eyes on him.
12:24Now, business is business, Lucas.
12:25There's nothing personal.
12:26Nothing personal?
12:27It's my reputation and my boys.
12:29Lucas, Lucas.
12:31It might be easier for someone else to talk to them,
12:35that's all.
12:37Come on, Mark.
12:38Let's leave these decent folks to their important business.
12:41Well, John,
12:49Dave's the logical one to go now.
12:51I suppose you're right.
12:53Oh, no.
12:54I feel like a Jew that's taken over.
12:56You're not betraying anyone, Dave.
12:58You're helping North Fork.
13:01I guess I can't say no to that.
13:04You'll do fine, Dave.
13:05You'll do fine, Dave.
13:05Lucas and Wade Joyner.
13:15I still find it hard to believe.
13:17Lucas is an honorable man, John.
13:19What we're doing isn't right,
13:20but I just don't know any of the way.
13:35You better get to bed, Mark.
13:53Then why have to get to bed so soon, Paul?
13:56Look, if the trail hadn't washed out,
13:57you'd be home in your own bed and fast asleep by now.
14:00This is no holiday sign.
14:01You can hardly keep your eyes open.
14:03Why does the rain always sound so good?
14:06Maybe it's because you're so warm under those covers.
14:18Paul?
14:20Bye, Mark.
14:21You know something?
14:23Wade Joyner said he knew me,
14:25but I don't remember him.
14:27Well, maybe it was a long time ago
14:29and you were too little to remember.
14:31Well, you were never too little to remember.
14:35Oh, that's right, son.
14:39Maybe I'm fighting this thing too hard.
14:42Instead of saying it never happened,
14:44I might be better off trying to figure out when it did.
14:47Well, you'll remember, Paul.
14:50Well, it could have been a long time ago.
14:53Could have been using another name.
14:54The fellow comes in, says his name is Smith,
14:58maybe Brown, or maybe...
14:59Could it really be, most of them?
15:01My room's just across the hall.
15:19I'd like to talk with you a bit, Lucas.
15:21I don't know what good talking's going to do.
15:22You know, fate has a way of stepping in and changing things,
15:31but it shouldn't change friendship.
15:33I didn't ask to go to Yuma,
15:35but I can hardly back out now.
15:37I'd hoped that North Fork would have been
15:38100% behind me in this,
15:40and you're an important part of North Fork.
15:43You've got my support, Dave.
15:45Thanks.
15:46Oh, I'll need those survey maps.
15:48Well, they're out at the ranch.
15:49You can get them anytime.
16:00Oh, a few years back,
16:01I was in Jackson Hole on a night like this.
16:03Rain?
16:05Rained enough Noah could have launched his ark.
16:08Then, next morning, it was clear as a bell.
16:11I used to live near Desert Flats.
16:13We'd wait three years for rain like this.
16:17I remember once right after my wife died,
16:19the biggest rain you ever saw.
16:22Mark had a cold.
16:23It wasn't much, but you know how it is.
16:25Being alone with the boy for the first time,
16:27I was worried.
16:29Man, it's tough being alone at a time like that.
16:31No, I wasn't really.
16:33The fellow come along,
16:34half drowned,
16:36needed a night's rest,
16:37but he didn't get much.
16:40I'm not a talking man, Dave,
16:41but that night sitting up with Mark,
16:44I really bent his ear.
16:47Like I'm bending yours now.
16:50I told that stranger
16:51most everything about us.
16:53Someday, I have plans
16:55for settling in these parts.
16:57Kind of a ranch I wanted,
16:59my hopes for the boy.
17:01Now, a good part of a man's dream
17:03depends on hard cash.
17:05hard cash.
17:07Hard cash.
17:10What?
17:11He talked about how he never had
17:13any dreams of his own
17:14beyond tomorrow.
17:16How he liked to listen to mine.
17:19I...
17:19I don't follow you.
17:23He said someday I'd get the cash.
17:27Dave,
17:28Wade Jordan meant what he said.
17:30Oh!
17:31It was an awful storm.
17:37Well, you go to sleep now, Mark.
17:38I think everything's gonna be all right.
17:43My book was...
17:44Good night, Dave.
17:44Good night.
17:46There's U�a.
17:55Good night.
17:56Have a moment.
18:04Bad day.
18:07Bad day.
18:12Are you okay?
18:12Come on.
18:42And you know something, John?
19:01If Lucas could back up that story of his with some proof, I still feel the right thing to do is send him to Yuma.
19:06Good morning, gentlemen.
19:08Good morning, Dave.
19:09Since I'll be leaving him in the morning to talk to the railroad people, I thought we'd better discuss the final details.
19:14What I said just now about Lucas, I mean, we all believe his story, but if we could afford to send him instead of you,
19:21that'd be the best way to let him know we back him up.
19:23You both know my position.
19:25I wish we could afford to send him.
19:27Good day, gentlemen.
19:28I just thought I'd stop by and introduce myself.
19:31Name is Samuel Britton.
19:33I'm John Hamilton.
19:33How do you do?
19:35I'm staying overnight to catch the stage to Yuma tomorrow morning.
19:39I'm Center City's representative.
19:41Micah Torrance and our representative, Dave Stafford.
19:45How do you do?
19:46Well, this is indeed a pleasure.
19:47I thought I was to share the stage to Yuma with Mr. McCain.
19:58Oh, do you mean this inheritance?
20:01Mr. Britton, we here in Norfolk feel that the location of the Spurs should be settled on its own merits without complicating side issues.
20:09In short, may the better town win.
20:11Well, I'm sure it will.
20:15Good day.
20:15Mm-hmm.
20:28Well, here are the survey maps, Dave.
20:30They're all in order.
20:32Thanks.
20:33Oh, uh, this may not be any consolation to you,
20:37but I got a sample in town just now about what you'd have been up against in Yuma.
20:41How's that?
20:43A fellow named Britton, Center City's representative.
20:47He had his hooks out for you.
20:48He's just waiting to get at you.
20:50Knew all about your inheritance.
20:52And I don't suppose he'd have spared those railroad people any of the details.
20:57Now, you'd have been fighting two battles in Yuma, Lucas.
21:02Well, I'm glad you're going, Dave.
21:11It's just noon.
21:17You're supposed to be in school.
21:19Well, I stopped by Hattie's at lunchtime to get the mail.
21:21This came for you.
21:23It's got to be the money.
21:24Well, so you're playing hooky?
21:26Well, I've never seen $500 before.
21:28You're not going to see it now either.
21:30Back to school, boy.
21:31Oh, but, Pa.
21:32Getting education in your head is more important.
21:35Well, just one quick look.
21:37All right.
21:38Just a quick look.
21:40Wow!
21:42Now, you've had your look.
21:54Mark just brought me Wayne Joyner's money.
21:58This was inside, listen.
22:00We only met that one night in the storm.
22:02But I never met anyone before or since that made more sense.
22:06Here's some cash for your dream.
22:08Signed, Wayne Joyner.
22:10Surprised, Dave?
22:12Well, yes.
22:13It's wonderful news, Lucas.
22:15Well, a lot of people will be surprised when they read this.
22:18I better tell Mike and Hamilton and the rest of the council.
22:21Now, when will I see that Mr. Britton you mentioned?
22:24Isn't it a little late to make any changes?
22:26No, it's not too late.
22:28The stage doesn't leave till tomorrow.
22:29Come on.
22:30Let's ride into town.
22:31Wait a minute, Lucas.
22:32Uh, what I mean is, uh, let's think about this.
22:39Actually, who is the best one to go to Yuma?
22:42You or me?
22:45Now, wait a minute, Dave.
22:48You seem mighty anxious about this.
22:50Oh, I didn't mean that.
22:52I was merely thinking about what would be best for North Fork.
22:56Let's let North Fork decide that.
22:57I wouldn't do that if I were you, Dave.
23:17I've got enough firepower here to cut you in half.
23:19One thing about me, Lucas, I'm a reasonable man.
23:36There's not enough money in the world to make it worthwhile having my head blown off.
23:40Who's been making it worth your while?
23:42Railroad spur means a lot of money to a man like Britton.
23:46Britton, huh?
23:48You talk too much, Dave.
23:49If you were going to shoot me, you should have done it as soon as I read you that letter.
23:53That's my weakness, Lucas.
23:55I'm better at using conversation as a weapon than a gun.
24:12Morning, Mr. Britton.
24:14All set for your trip?
24:15I had a good night's sleep.
24:16Thank you, Marshal.
24:17That's fine.
24:17I'm sure you're going to need it.
24:19McCain's the name.
24:20Step right in, Mr. Britton.
24:23Are you going to Yuma, Mr. McCain?
24:25That's just where I'm going, Mr. Britton.
24:26Mr. Stafford couldn't make it.
24:28He had a previous engagement.
24:31I'm sure Mr. Stafford's activities are of no interest to me.
24:34We're all sure of that, Mr. Britton.
24:36Bye, Pa.
24:36Bye, son.
24:37Don't forget to do what Micah tells you.
24:39Bye!
24:39Have a good trip, Lucas.
24:40I'm going to enjoy it just fine, Micah.
24:42Just fine.
24:43I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:44I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:45I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:46I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:47I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:48I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:49I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:50I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:51I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:52I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:53I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:54I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:55I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:56I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:57I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:58I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
24:59I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
25:00I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
25:01I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
25:02I'm going to enjoy it just fine.
25:03THE END
25:33THE END
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