The sick and wounded, go to the hospital tent.
Soldiers and troops, proceed this way.
First name, last name, rank, home town ​​and state.
If you can't find a job, you have a week to get out of the state.
This voucher is good for one meal. Next!
This voucher is good for one meal.
If you don't find a job you have a week to get out.
Next! First and last name, soldier. Rank, home town and state.
William Preston, soldier. Drafted soldier. Flint River, Georgia.
Find yourself a job or you have a week to get out the state.
- How do I... - That's your problem!
No, it's not unfair. And I'll be glad to tell you all just why.
It's because you're being given a chance to get back on your feet again, gentlemen.
Now, I can help you out. I've got work for anyone who's interested in piling up cash
to take back to his family.
The time of hatred and bloodshed is over.
Now is the time we have to buckle down all together,
to rebuild our great country. No winners or losers
just men with dignity only given by work.
Mighty beautiful words, sir. Only, how much you gonna pay us?
I've been through the same as you. We all have to make sacrifices.
What is your offer?
Room, board and half a dollar a week.
Even negroes get more than that, pal!
Half a dollar a week, mister?
How much you take for that cat?
We can pay.
Ain't nobody had fresh meat since June.
Go on like that, it's healthier.
How about this for trade? You have any idea how much this is worth?
William Preston, drafted soldier.
Well, I didn't draft you.
There are gangs of holdout rebels everywhere, even as far north as Oregon.
Other gangs have been captured near Laramie.
They will be here in the morning, along with the Texas group, Colonel.
- Transmit this immediately. - Yes, sir.
- The last prisoners should leave the camp. - Very well, sir.
This just came in, sir.
Gentlemen, Richmond has fallen.
General Lee has surrendered to Grant. The war is officially over.
More coffee, sir?
The condition of the South is desperate.
Now, we begin the most arduous task of any war:
Reconstruction for peace and democracy.
The democracy President Lincoln wanted and we won at such cost.
Rope.
Who do you think is here?
At least let the poor bastard digest.
Hello, colonel. Can we talk?
Yes, of course.
Give these to Whittaker. How's the recruitment going?
- These no-goods have no desire to work. - Mr. Whittaker.
- These have been approved by the colonel.
All prisoners who have completed all formalities, leave the camp at sundown.
The sick and wounded must report at the hospital tent immediately.
Those who want can enlist in our army,
your history won't affect your career.
It stopped raining.
You don't miss a thing, do you?
Where did you fight?
Just about everywhere.
I haven't done much else since I was born.
But, look, aren't you glad? It's over, isn't it?
Sure I'm glad. Real glad. You mean you can't tell?
I... I can't wait to get home again.
I'm from Georgia. And you?
Georgia is a long way out. I'd get started if I were you. So long.
All prisoners, get ready to leave the camp!
- Wagons down there. - Looks like settlers.
- Where are the others? - Down at the river.
That smells damn good. Freddy, the horses.
Hurry up with that!
I'll kill him!
This one is worth 300.
He's 500.
This one has a double bounty. Man's worth 500 in Missouri...
and 250 in Kansas.
But he'd never last long enough to collect them both.
We ought to split him in two.
Hey, stop! Stop!
He's a friend of mine. Get in!
Don't move. I ain't taking you aboard.
But, why not? He's a friend, I said.
He did a lot of fighting for the South.
He got a medal to show it too?
Yes, but it's a lot to pay for a buggy ride.
I ain't taking you aboard.
- What did you do that for? - We're pals now, aren't we?
If you say.
But I don't even know your name.
You don't? My name is Random.
Michael Random.
Random? I've heard that name before.
- It's the same as the brand of tobacco. - Oh yeah, sure, that's why I knew!
I've got a good memory for names, and for almost everything else too.
- But do you know what I'm best at? - Not yet, but I bet I will soon.
Dates. I'm really great at memorizing dates.
You know where I was on patrol on the 6th of June last year?
- In a cathouse? - No. We were surrounded without ammunition.
They needed a volunteer to go down the cliff that blocked our retreat.
- Let me guess, you volunteered. - Right!
They lowered me on a rope, but I lost my grip.
It was the fastest descent in history.
40 meters down without a scratch. I found the rest of the company.
Look at this!
Hey! Nobody ever told me they gave medals for having a rough rump.
Excuse me, you fall off a cliff...
and don't get a scratch. Does that seem worth a medal?
Hey, that's called kidding, sonny.
You wanted to save your company and you did. That's mighty good.
Well, there it is. The road to the left leads to Georgia.
- Oh yeah? So, good bye! - Where are you going?
I don't know and I don't care.
You have no home?
You have no family?
So why don't you come with me, to my house?
Because I'm going that way.
Ok...
Good luck, Michael!
- Now what? - Take advantage of the element of surprise.
- And what does that mean? - I don't know.
That's what I thought.
- We charge on the three. - Ok.
- One... Two... - Boys, let's charge!
Let me!
Get out of the way!
Willy! Willy!
I got one!
I'm not too good at this.
Don't worry, you're my guest. You like breast or leg?
You know, if we had won, the Northern troops would be the same condition we're in now.
I guess it was meant to happen. So what difference does it make?
That's right. Go to sleep now.
I'll show you...
I'll kill you.
So long, sonny.
Hey, Willy!
Willy, wake up!
What is it?
What the hell happened?
Who's there?
You're gonna find out. Everybody in line.
And keep it straight like good little soldiers.
I am Rope Whittaker.
Me and my men work for the government.
During the war many of you committed crimes.
If anybody got a price on his head, you better step forward now.
I promise to spare his life. Well, that's it, boys.
How about it, boys?
Don't bother giving your word, Whittaker. It doesn't mean a damn thing.
Here you are. You've got the biggest price of all.
Two hundred, alive or dead. You can save yourself the price of a bullet.
So you think I have fun doing this, huh?
You've got a deal going with the army to get rid of us.
Stealing an apple is enough for a price on the head these days.
- That's my business, sonny boy. - Who the hell you think you're fooling?
You know my face because your boys saw it at the fort
and every time they did,
they pretended they didn't know who I was. Because they can't collect,
but you can. So you split it up!
Don't kill me, please.
You can't kill me. I just stole a horse. My father is rich and he will pay it back.
Let me go! Let me go!
Get out!
Wilson, you stay.
If you like, we can do another stretch of the road together.
- Good Morning. - Hello.
There was a bit of ruckus here last night.
Bounty Hunters. Or at least, that's what I heard in the village.
We just got here a few hours ago.
That's too bad. I'll have to invent something for all my readers then.
They go crazy about this kind of stories.
The name is Bert Nelson, journalist.
So long, Mr. Nelson.
Hey, you two!
Use the other trough for washing and drinking.
Over there!
Excuse me, sir. Can we load those things for you?
We'd do it for a meal...
or just a bite of bread.
All right?
I wouldn't refuse a hunk of bread to anyone.
So this way you have no excuse to steal anything...
and we don't have to go through the problem of hanging you.
But go eat it somewhere else!
Fifteen minutes rest!
Change the horses.
Leave it there. They just want to humiliate us.
You still got your uniform on.
I'll eat this, and you you can eat the uniform.
You there, I'd like some information!
You ever seen this man?
They only told us he fell in the Battle of Nashville.
I'm his father and these are his brothers.
We want to know where he is buried. Anything you can tell us?
No. My job was in the kitchen, I never fired a shot.
He was about your age, more or less.
He may have been among the Union soldiers you killed, boy.
My duty was to fight. And kill.
He would have done the same. War is no personal matter.
- Could've been you that killed him! - Could be.
Just like he would have killed me.
- No, he didn't mean that! - I meant just what I said.
Michael! Michael!
Let go of him, you filthy coward!
Run, Willy!
- Shall we spend the night here? - Why, know a better place?
- May I buy you a drink? - Why not?
After you then.
Must have been a nice place.
You know, this is my first time in a saloon.
Do tell. And they say the war served no purpose.
- Here's something to start with. - Good! Can't imagine anything better.
- What terrible stuff is it? - Whiskey, my boy, and a good brand.
Hey, look.
Sure must have been in a hurry.
Straight.
Four of a kind.
Should have known. You're the one who doesn't even get a scratch when falling down a cliff.
Hey, look! What do you say we grab ourselves some fancy headgear?
That was a fine idea you had with that little drink.
I'm hungrier than before.
Oh, by the way, I know a place where we can both eat until we are full,
sleep in a real bed and take hot baths. All free of charge.
- In Georgia, by any chance? - And you can stay as long as you please.
No, I'm not cut out for tilling the soil.
You could help my mother. You're a cook, you said.
That was a lie. I was in the engineers.
Ah, perfect. You could be a big help to my father.
The minute he puts a nail in anything, it falls on his head.
I got other plans, Willy. Gonna have fun for a while.
You should get along just fine with my sister. She's a fun loving kind.
And when she hears how you saved that stray cat's life
she will fall madly in love with you. You can bet on that.
Michael..
Michael...
- And how about the other one? - No, one man's enough for a horse.
Willy!
Helen!
What are you looking for?
This farm belongs to a man named Preston?
What's it to you?
You're Willy's sister, right?
Willy and I... were together.
And when it was all over...
I thought I would...
bring you this.
I'm sorry, but...
could you tell my dad and mom?
From now on, we'll be known as William Preston's family...
the boy who died a hero in the war.
Only to us, we will just be a family that has no son anymore.
I don't think you can imagine how much we loved him.
How much we would have preferred him less hero, but alive.
We already got enough metal rusting in the barn.
I'm sorry.
I'm perfectly sure staying alive is hard, too.
I thank you in Willy's name.
Good Morning. Breakfast is ready.
What's the matter, don't you like eggs?
Don't let them get cold.
You better get out of that uniform. I put up some clothes for you upstairs.
You see, people around here want to forget.
You could have stayed. I'm hungry and not ashamed of it.
What did you come here for?
Willy. He deserved it.
Where are your folks?
Out working.
I'd like to say goodbye to them.
Are you leaving?
Why? They would be very happy if you decided to stay on.
And you?
Get out of that uniform and then I'll answer you.
Damn!
Damn it all!
Maybe if you're lucky, you'll manage to break everything.
And by the way, just what is it exactly that you're trying to do?
I'm not quite sure.
The gate's been stuck for months and a farm can't do without water.
But it rains in my room, because it has holes in the roof. Everything's falling apart.
Nobody cultivates this land,
but the animals keep making little ones that have to be fed.
I'm really becoming sick and tired of this whole place.
Maybe you're right. I suppose you should go. No one can stay young around here.
Would you like me to try that?
Why should you?
Well, could be because I walked about enough...
I slept on enough haystacks, when I got lucky.
I've frozen, drenched and famished.
I've got a thousand blisters, even my bones hurt.
It seems you can't stay young that way either.
Who can tell? Maybe the best idea is to stay, after all.
Well, that's finished. This is the missing piece.
A pulley in the right place and we will get the floodgate open.
Yes, I'm sure it will work. I have been thinking about it...
and I kept looking at it without really knowing why. Now I know why.
I was waiting for my son to come back and help me do all these things.
So, I stopped doing anything, as if I was trying to stop time.
Kept telling myself: "He'll be back tomorrow".
Ah, hogwash.
The truth is, my damn lumbago keeps me from doing any heavy work.
Willy used to like to go hunting.
I got this as a gift for you.
He was a good shot. Me...
I couldn't hit a barn if I was standing in it.
To Willy Daddy
Good piece.
You don't see many like this.
Yeah. Good for killing from the distance. Dangerous prey, bears, pumas.
And men.
You decided what you want for supper?
- You mean we got a choice? - Of course you do.
Flowers, a menu.
My boy, this is a trap.
It's a one that never misses.
Well...
Here, catch!
All right, now pull.
Hard! Harder!
I can't.
Now, pull.
Again!
Yahoo!
Here, honey. That's everything we need.
- Well, almost everything. - Helen?
- Yes? - Don't forget the buttons, and the whiskey
for your father. But not that swamp juice he wrote down, but get the kind I like.
All right, mommy.
- Don't stop, Michael. - Don't you worry.
Where are you heading?
To the village.
- How about a ride? - Huh, are kidding, master?
Well, why not? Go on, get in.
We walked across three states and you are the first person who's trusted us.
- Sorry to hear that. - How are things in the country?
Well, this year things have been hard all around.
Is it all right?
- Couldn't be better. Thanks a lot. - Goodbye.
Boys, excuse me.
These fell out and you didn't notice.
Thanks, ma'am.
It happens we have holes all over us.
Good luck.
Goodbye.
Well, I'll go to the shop.
- Here. I'll be there in a minute. - All right.
- Morning, Random. - Morning.
I see you decided to honor us with another visit.
We don't really see much of you in the village, do we?
Anyway, here's the list.
Well, my word! I will need at least a couple of hours to get all this ready.
But Slim, I've been looking for you. How are you?
About the calves you sold me the other day, the black and the tanned...
Well boys, what should we drink to?
To the Confederate States of the South, of course!
What do you say, gentlemen?
You don't mind that the three of us have changed flags, do you?
Gentlemen, if you feel like starting another war, just call on us.
But call loud!
Hey, you might wanna get rich, too.
Give me the pistol! I'll kill those bastards!
Let's get out of here! Move, come on!
What's going on?
Go on back home, folks. There's nothing to see here.
You too, sonny boy.
What are you doing? You crazy?
Isn't there a sheriff in this burg?
He'll be here, don't worry.
Oh, Nelson. You quit your career as a reporter?
In the circumstance, I really was one.
They asked me for a report on your activities.
Pray, you better stop, Whittaker.
- Who decided that, Colonel? - The people who protected you this far.
Certain victories are exploited in full...
which allows generals to go into politics.
It could be embarrassing to a future president to continue certain friendships.
How do they think they can wipe out the past...
and make me lose my memory?
In one way or another, Whittaker. Your choice.
Generals are all idiots.
Probably because before they all were colonels.
It's better this way. I will not have to share the money.
Bounty hunters will always exist.
So will murderers.
When an order says "take them alive", there's no way you can argue with it.
And without protection, the only thing you are is a common murderer.
Goodbye then.
Didn't you want the sheriff?
There he is.
I will kill this girl! I swear I will!
Let us through! Gary, get out here!
You hear? Put away those guns or I'll kill her!
Let's go, Rope!
Let us through, colonel.
Even if you don't find her, come back to us, will you?
I'll come back, with Helen.
Don't make us mourn for you too.
As you see, we're keeping busy.
So I see.
- No trace yet, I suppose. - No, I'm afraid not.
Listen, Random, I'm terribly sorry about the girl.
You're terribly sorry.
It makes no sense your going after them.
With that high a price, sooner or later someone'll surely bring them in.
As dead bodies, just the way you like it.
And Helen?
One of Whittaker's men is an ex-gambler.
A skillful cheater.
And that's all I know.
I'll tell you right now, Nelson.
If I don't find that girl, there's going to be a price on my head
for having murdered you.
- Hello, California.
- Hello, Full.
- Sit down. - I'd spoil your satin cushion.
Long time since I've seen you.
- Have you come back to stay? - No.
Pity. There are many tough young gunslingers around
who would really like to know that you're here.
For ten dollars, they'd be on you like a pack of dogs.
All they need is to hear your name.
A name doesn't last if it isn't backed up with a gun.
That's why I quit.
I wouldn't think so when looking at you, my lad.
Did you ever play cards with any of these men?
He's the one who didn't play with me.
- Where can I find him? - About 100 miles north of here.
He is now in a rathole, one only he'd stay in. Suits him well.
Thanks.
By the way, California, I heard you fought in the war.
Yes. And I was killed.
I'll tell them that.
Already thinking of how to spend it, huh?
Oh yeah.
- What is it divided into three? - Seven thousand each.
- But Whittaker will take more. - Why?
- Because it was his idea. - I know, but I don't have to like it.
Go see if it's him and you can tell him.
Gary, come here to take a look at this.
You are prettier in person.
It's been four years that I've imagined this moment, Gary.
You can stop imagining it now. It's here.
- Where's the girl? - What girl?
- Helen! Where is she? - I don't know who you're talking about.
Where is she? God damn you!
Where is she? Where is she?
Plummer! Come out!
I'm worth a thousand, friend. You gotta earn it.
I don't care about the money! Tell me where the girl is!
If you're looking for a girl, there's a cathouse in the next town.
Ask for Yasmin. She knows her trade!
- Where's Helen? - At Whittaker's hideout.
Where is Whittaker?
Get me out of here. Get me out, come on.
Just talk!
Whittaker...
He will come here.
He is the only... The only...
one who can take you there.
Don't move, Whittaker.
I'm not moving. Do I know you?
Now you do.
You're pretty smart.
Those two were the best men I've ever had.
I don't know you, but I should know someone who works like you...
to keep away from you.
Are you finished?
No.
Listen...
for months I've done the same work.
Sleeping in the saddle, eating little and badly...
killing some poor devils who were already half dead.
And what have I got to show for it?
A two thousand dollar price tag.
True, and you're planning to cash in, right?
But you'll have to kill me and it won't be easy.
I'm pointing a rifle at you.
How long will those two thousand dollars last?
When you get to some decent place to enjoy it, you live like
a king for a few days until you spend it all.
Then some bouncer throws you out of the cathouse that doesn't give credit.
Now, you and me together, one job, 20,000 dollars.
Yeah, sure. You have a big price on your head, but 10,000 is a lot of money.
Yeah, I'm in. Tell me the details.
You think I'd split even with you?
I don't think you got no other choice.
I think you're right. It's a deal.
With the two of us, it will be like taking candy from a baby.
Afterwards, we'll go to my hideout...
and we'll stay there until they get tired of looking for us. Ok?
Ok, tell me where it is.
You don't need to know that now.
Change the horses. We'll stop here for half an hour.
Hey, what are you doing? Slim! Chris! Get on your horses!
Split right in half.
I always keep my word, you see.
Don't I, partner?
Uh-huh, I also always keep my word too.
You will find that out sooner or later.
We'll do a lot of good things together. You've got a great future now...
because you're working with Rope Whittaker.
All right, where is this hideout where we are going to?
Now, what the hell do you want to go to that pigsty for?
Everything worked just fine. We got the money. Let's go have some fun.
Of course if you've got plans of your own, you're free to go.
Who, me? Hell no. I'll stick with you.
You wanna know something?
I'm glad.
Yasmin!
It's me, Rope!
Yasmin! I'm here with a friend you will like! Come on out!
Hey, Yasmin!
Answer him.
Yasmin!
She wants to be coaxed.
I can pick off both of them from here, colonel.
No, you know we need them alive, Evans.
Yasmin, honey!
Look what I brought you, champagne! Champagne for my honey!
The hell with you!
I think I know what she's doing.
Hey, partner, there she is!
Hi, honey!
Rope, would you stop all that? How much did you drink?
Nothing yet. Look at this! What do you say?
I'd say you better stop screaming.
You got a client there, perhaps?
No, I'm alone.
So where the hell were you? Open up!
Come on up!
- Aren't you coming in? - In a minute. You go on ahead.
Watch out!
Who's in there, anyway?
Federals. An old account I forgot to settle.
Whittaker, come out in the open!
I guess they found out about the robbery.
No, they're just after me.
Get out. I'll cover you.
Do you hear me?
Whittaker! You can't escape, so don't try.
- For once, he's right. - Wait, I have an idea.
What do you say, Whittaker?
Nelson, my friend here has got nothing to do with all this.
Let him ride away and I'll give myself up.
All right! Let's do it!
Don't shoot, let him pass!
Turn this way.
You know what you're risking?
Yes, of course I know.
I've to get to his hideout. Helen is there.
How are you going to convince Whittaker that you managed to escape from us?
I do not know. But I've got to.
He's not to be underestimated,
and the same is also very true of me.
I'll give you two days. It's the most I can offer you.
It will have to do then.
I don't know how this story will end,
but if I can't have him, I'll have you.
I was sure you'd make it, partner.
Yeah? I wasn't.
- They follow you? - Not as far as I can tell.
Hell, you think I would have led them here?
You're right.
The problem with you is just that, you're always right.
What do you mean?
I don't know...
but Nelson came out looking like a stupid man. And he's not.
How do I know you're telling the truth?
If we wait much longer,
you might get a chance to ask him that in person.
Damn it, boy. You're right again.
I gotta trust you.
Hands up!
Nice shot.
I can do even better.
Here we are. That's the hideout.
It's not the Ritz Hotel, but better than a federal prison. Let's go!
- See you tomorrow, Betty. - Goodbye.
Betty!
Rope!
Betty!
I was really afraid they got you this time.
All well?
Sure.
But it takes a crazy woman to wait for you in this sty.
You here for the girl, too, honey?
Oh Betty, you ruined the surprise.
You are all the same, aren't you?
She's half crazy,
but pretty fair looking, you will enjoy her.
Now I know who you are, you're after the girl!
I'm gonna kill you, bastard!
I'll pay my debts, Nelson.
Let me take the girl away. I'll come to you then.
I won't be around.
I have to go after a man who robbed a stagecoach
and helped a wanted man to escape.
He is known as Michael Random, but that is not a name.
It's just a famous brand of tobacco.
I guess I'll never find him.
Adios, California.
I'm sorry.
I just couldn't manage to die.
You're going home now, to forget.
Come.