This film offers a sobering deconstruction of the frontier myth, exposing the tragic gap between vigilante justice and moral truth. It poignantly captures the collateral damage of war, reminding us that the cost of conflict is often paid by the most innocent.
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Western Film 2026 | Zane Grey Theater — Death In A Wood | The Wildest Western Films #1080pAdded:
You must be Mr. Covid. I'm Gus Hennessy, editor and chief master printer and sweeper upper in the Clarion Town newspaper here.
>> I do.
>> I heard you were coming, Mr. Cook. Got a telegraph from a friend of mine runs a Sentinel news there. Told me all about the article you're working on.
>> This uh sheriff you have in town, Agot Slate. Still around, I hope.
>> Still around? Agot? Oh, why he's indestructible, Mr. Cook. Pretty well known, too. Best confession getter in the territory, they call him.
>> So, I've heard Where's his office? Right over there.
>> What kind of a story is that? Both of them. Both of them told me the same story.
>> Well, there was lying. All kids tell lies.
>> Not about murder. They don't. Not when their own M was butchered.
>> Well, it must have been somebody looked like me. How could they be sure? That was excited.
>> Excited? They were torn apart, but they saw you. Now, come on, talk. Come on, spit it out. I want it from you. Talk.
Why don't you use a bull whip or burn his feet with a branding iron? Who are you?
>> Well, this is Mr. Watson Cook from New York. I get a famous reporter.
>> What do you want here?
>> He's doing an article on the evils of Frontier Justice.
>> Come back later. You have a lawyer?
>> He's got a lawyer. Look, mister, this is a jail. I'm responsible here. You want to talk to the prisoner? You see me right now? I'm busy. And I said come back later.
No, gentle [ __ ] You got yourself a cougar by the tail.
from Out of the West.
Dick Powell's Same Gray Theater. Tonight star Dick Powell.
This double hanging 3 years ago. He wrote it up like a church social. You can't go by big city standards here.
It's just a small town out in the wilderness.
>> Here's a man arrested on Tuesday, hung on Friday. You call that due process of law?
>> Oh, well now that fellow was a known killer.
>> Don't you think he has a right to fair trial? Well, >> he's not the first man that got a fair trial in 3 days.
>> Oh, more Mr. Cartrite.
>> You still ruin Mr. Bargain's house?
>> That's right.
>> Did you see Abel Pike this morning?
>> Well, now no. Oh, as a matter of actual fact, isn't he on duty at the bank?
>> He didn't show up this morning, and the vault has been cleaned out.
>> What?
>> Well, in that case, yes, I did see him.
Yes, sir. Heading up the back trail just before breakfast.
I didn't want to get him in trouble. I thought he was just going off to commune with a jug again.
>> You went off to commune with $30,000.
Was it a payroll or gold shipment or what?
>> Oh, this is Mr. Watson Cook with the New York Post. The Mr. Copyright newspaper man. Glad to have you with us. I trust you'll both cooperate. Keep this robbery quiet for now. People get excited. It'll take a couple of days to bring up cash reserves.
>> Who's this Sable Pike you're talking about?
>> The bank guard.
>> I knew he was worthless. I knew something like this would happen.
>> Why'd you hire him?
>> An exaggerated sense of civic responsibility.
>> Abel was a war hero. Saved the life of no less than General Grant.
>> General Grant? Yes. There was a surprise thrust during a skirmish. Abel deliberately put himself between the general and a red took a rifle ball in the hip. Maybe you heard of him.
>> I recall it.
>> Cold Harbor, May 1864. They called Abel the man who saved the Union.
>> We were grateful. We gave him every chance. When he came here after the war, we made him sheriff. He let us down miserably. I knew he tried him as town clerk. He messed up the records. Even then, I gave him another chance personally at my own risk. As the bankard, I should have known better.
Today, Mr. Cook, >> what do you think?
>> Oh, poor Abel.
He's just slapheaded enough to do such a fool thing.
Where you going?
>> You know which way I'm going, Shaker.
Anything happens, just send a messenger for me.
Just a minute, Slate. What are your plans?
>> I'm going to take a little ride. Well, what's that prisoner in there? He'll steal your eyeballs when you're looking straight at it.
>> I asked a legitimate question and I want an answer.
>> Don't you ever set hand on me.
>> Ever.
>> Got to watch that temper, Agot. It's going to get you in trouble.
I'd still like to know what you're going to do, sheriff. I'll tell you when I get back.
>> Give me a horse, will you?
>> Now, if you're thinking on going with me, you're wasting your time.
>> You don't have the authority to say that, Sheriff. This man's a representative of the press. You can't conceal the facts from him.
>> That's right. Maybe we can't ask questions, but he can.
>> A Pike's got a good shooting eye, but bad judgment. He's allowed to shoot you before you got a chance to show him your credentials.
>> I'll take my chances. I'd like to find out how the best confession getter in the territory operates.
>> You figured on roasting me on a spit, huh? I figure I'm reporting what I see.
The man handling up prisoners and so forth.
>> That prisoner in there, I should have bashed his head in. He murdered a man and his wife and left two kids all alone up in the hills. No food, nothing. Wolf bait.
>> Did anybody see him?
>> Only the two kids. Now, if I don't get him convicted, he's free to do it all over again. I'm ordering you to stay here.
>> What's the matter, Sheriff? Afraid of witnesses? I hear that's often your problem, Sheriff. No witnesses. Or is it your preference?
>> Well, I get Does he go along? You want him to go along? All right, let him go along. Anything happens to you, don't blame me. Get him a horse.
You stay here.
>> Raise your hands up. People raise up my hands. Why, Agger? What before?
>> You heard me lift those Na'vi elbows.
>> Well, if you say so. Agot.
I don't try anything funny.
>> What's this all about, Aga?
>> Now, you know as well as I do. Where's the money?
>> What money? What's got into you anyway?
>> Look, Hos, we all know you robbed the bank.
>> Oh, Thunderation, man. I'm the guard.
Abel, it's hot and spatter grease out here. Let's quit beating around the bush.
>> Great. Good God, man. I ain't trying to beat around the bush. I come up here to fish. Figured I might pick up a few brookies, that's all. Then how come you let out and you saw me coming?
>> Why, that's my old war training. You act first, then you ask questions.
The way they drew you for 3 years, you don't forget nothing.
>> You're going back into town?
>> Sure. Anything you say?
>> In the meantime, go over there and sit down and behave yourself while I take a look around.
>> Got nothing to hide?
>> What's the matter? Hoping I'd gun him down?
>> I don't make the news. I just report what happens.
>> Oh, watch him. He's spying. You think he is? And brain.
afternoon. Never met you. Don't believe.
Name's Watson Cook. I'm a newspaper man.
>> Oh, newspaper man.
>> Well, fancy that. Well, what brings you around here?
>> You do, Mr. Pike. You're a famous man.
>> Oh, you've heard of me. I certainly have. Cold Harbor, May 1864. The man who saved the Union.
>> Well, now that touches me. Yes, sir.
After the way folks around here treat me. A toothless old mongrel dog.
>> You don't say.
>> Do say. They forgot that ball I took in the hip. Say Grant forgot like it never even happened.
Gratitude.
Come on, horse. Where is it?
>> I told you I ain't got it. And then >> now you knew you couldn't get far with that bum leg. You must have hidden it.
Where is it? Oh, >> now agot. I'd tell you if I knew.
>> All right, hardhead. Just sit there.
I'll find it myself.
>> You're so interested in the proper treatment of prisoners. I'll not worry about you beating him. Just watch him.
Where were you born, Mr. Pike? Born >> uh Kentucky.
>> Who's your next of kin?
>> Next of kin.
>> Who do you want notified in case of death?
>> What are you talking about?
>> Well, it's my job to get this information ahead of time if possible.
Oh, I uh I wouldn't try anything if I were you to this loaded.
How about that mix of kin?
>> Nothing about it. Bank robbery ain't a hanging offense.
>> Well, the people in town are pretty worked up. They expect the sheriff to give him a bank robber.
>> What of it?
>> You know, Agot Slade. How many times has he brought in a dead suspect?
>> What are you doing at?
>> A dead suspect can't prove his innocence.
>> Are you saying that AGOT's fixing the Doney in?
>> Mr. Pike, I've checked the local newspaper files. Last spring, Jesse Wilkins shot dead by your sheriff trying to escape. No witnesses. Two weeks later, he was proved innocent.
>> Say, you're right, Jess Wilkins. When did you say you were born, Mr. Pike?
>> Oh, July 15th, 1839.
>> And you're next of kin?
>> Well, now I used to have a sister in Kentucky, but I ain't seen her quite a spell now.
No.
>> Hey, well, you know you can't back me down for you got out.
Throw up.
Oh, you darn fool. You should have known better.
>> Don't move. Don't move. This will fix it.
>> Where are you going? Cook.
Cook.
I get water bag.
Get the water back.
Oh, Abel, able >> is that Abel?
>> That's him.
>> It's true. You shot him?
>> I had to, guys. Uh, there you are, gentlemen. The most distinguished citizen in this community. Another victim of one man law. One man law.
>> There's no use denying it, Slate. I've already told them what happened.
>> Oh, he's surprised, gentlemen. Perhaps he thought he'd killed me, too.
>> Now, hold on here. Will somebody please tell me what's happened?
>> Mr. Crook says you shot at him, too.
>> I shot in the air. I wanted to stop. I needed help with Abel.
>> A [ __ ] As mayor of this town, I'll have to ask for your badge. I'm suspending you pending a full investigation.
>> Of what? of Abel fights death.
>> What in the blazes did he tell you?
>> Exactly what happened? He says you goated Abel into a fight.
>> You said that. You said I goated him.
>> You set the whole thing up very cleverly, then went off and left me with him.
>> You don't care how you twist the truth, do you? I was looking around for the money. He let Abel take his gun away from him.
>> Let him. The man knocked me down and then overpowered me.
>> I warned you he was tricky. He told you what he was like.
>> You certainly did. You told me exactly what you thought of him. A man who'd risked life and limb for his country.
But that was 15 years ago. The Abel we knew was a toothless old mongrel dog.
Right. That's what Abel Pike said to me sitting there on that rock underneath the sheriff's gun. The man who saved the Union. Gentlemen, a toothless old mongrel dog.
>> Agot, your badge. Are you going to believe him when I tell you he's lying?
>> Says you threatened Abel. scared him into thinking that you were going to beat a confession out of him. That's what made Abel go for his gun.
>> Yes. And all the time you had no evidence against him.
>> There's your money, Mr. Cart. Right.
Abel had it.
>> I'm glad to get it, certainly. But the price, it seems mighty high. Agot.
>> Mr. Mayor, how long you going to let this man go on killing people no matter what the reason?
>> It's no concern of yours. It's the concern of every taxpayer in this town, and I'll keep after you until I get proper satisfaction.
>> So, your clients can open up their places again. Isn't that really what you want?
>> You have no right to close them down.
Gambling's a business, legitimate and proper.
>> Honest, Gigg. Sure. But that has no bearing here.
>> What about my brother-in-law? What about Jess Wilkins?
>> Jess was a fool like Abel. He resisted arrest. What was I supposed to do? Stand there, let him kill me?
>> He wouldn't have shot you? He had a gun in my back.
>> Well, that's your story.
>> It's fact.
>> Well, let's see you prove it. prove you can't.
>> And it's also a fact that this yarn spinner let Abel take his gun away from him just to get a story to build his own personal reputation.
>> What about your reputation, Mr. Confession Getter? I don't suppose you could be trying to build that up.
Na, don't be hasty.
>> What's the matter, Sheriff? You look downright unhappy today.
>> You keep your mouth shut.
Well, hang it. I want you to understand my position.
>> I do more than you think.
>> This newspaper man, Mr. Cook, he's a distinguished personage. Now, what reason would he have to lie?
>> I told you to give himself a story in me, the back of his hand, and pay him for the back of mine.
>> This has to be pondered into. Abel's death, whether you do exceed authority vested in you by law, and so on. Town council has to say so.
>> That newspaper man has to say so. And Gayler and Ben Sigler and the rest of them. It's my duty to call the town council and that's what I'm going to do.
>> Why don't you do that?
>> Agot, you've been suspended, not fired.
>> At least give the council a chance.
>> Look, Gus, for 10 years and 6 months, I've had my belly between these people and outlaws. Not theirs. Mine. My belly.
I'll let them have it without me.
>> This is not like you. Not at all.
Tailing off like this.
>> All right, then. You tell me. How am I going to prove I'm right with everybody against me?
>> If you don't try, it amounts to admitting you're wrong.
>> He really did it to you, didn't he, Sheriff? Less than a day. Easy as that.
A dude, newspaper man from New York. Why don't you give up? You're through.
>> Mr. Cook, I I hope you won't treat our town too unkindly in your story. We've never had a situation like this with Slade before. And you can put this in your story proof.
>> Agot. Stop.
Stop it. turn into you. Stop it.
>> How do you like it, Sheriff? How does it taste?
>> Quite a fire, Mr. Cook.
>> I can take care of myself.
Some right hand got a kick like a mule >> and accurate.
>> Why don't you use it on Abel Pike?
>> Pike?
>> And when he took your gun away?
>> I didn't have a chance. He moved too fast. Nearly broke my arm.
>> Abel did move too fast. Did you all hear that? Abel moved too fast with that bad hip.
>> That's right. Abel had that bad hip.
>> Yeah. He could hardly whip anybody.
>> Yeah. You hear that, Mr. Cook? Abel couldn't possibly have overpowered you.
He had enough trouble walking, just getting around.
>> What do you mean he could ride a horse?
>> Not very far and not very fast. How do you think we caught up with him so soon?
>> Well, he was scared when he went for my gun. He was terrified that you were going to kill him. That kind of fear. It gives a man strength. Anybody knows that? And besides, he he surprised me.
He He played right into your trap. You set him up, let him take your gun because you wanted him to get killed.
Fact. No fact. Mr. Cook, you made a big mistake pulling a thing like this.
Agot, wait.
Your suspension is canceled. Effective here and now. No call for hard feelings.
The situation came up. We had to ponder it. Go on. Take your badge back.
>> You know, mayor, get that back could mean a good deal. Faith in my purposes, my well-meanings. Even if my official acts don't tickle everybody's fancy.
>> Are you sure you want me to take it?
Would I be standing here begging you if I didn't? What about them?
>> Oh, they're all for you, Agot. Go on, take it.
>> Well, now the next time there's a situation, let's not get so excited.
I'm glad, AGOT. Real glad. Well, >> they're going out there and arrest Mr. Cook. Charges inciting a prisoner to escape.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Well, it seems you still hold the title.
Best confession getter in the territory.
>> What do you mean?
>> Oh, come on, Agot. That fell may be big, but you're all bone and strap iron. You let him make you, isn't that right? So you could make him out a liar. He was a liar. Yeah, >> but you had to prove it. Why else would you pick a fight with him?
>> I lost my tipper to beat his brains out.
>> Oh, come on, Agot. I've got a paper to get out. I've got to know.
>> Yes, you're of legal age. You've been making decisions since you were 10 years old. Now you figure it out yourself.
The West was growing. The last frontier was rapidly becoming the newest civilization. But violence and death were still the rule, not the exception.
There was still the hunter and the hunted. Scattered throughout the frontier and pitifully few were the forts of the United States Army, the bastions of law and order. The men of the United States cavalry were more than soldiers. They were guides, guardians, giants, a handful to cover 100,000 square miles.
But these were not gods. They were men.
All kinds of men.
All kinds of men from Out of the West, Dick Powels, Srey Theater, Tonight Star, Sammy Davis Jr.
Break here. Hopper. All right. All right. Metal off your horses. Dirt call.
>> What are we stopping for? We ain't dead yet.
>> My horse still got another yard left in him. Well, >> don't you worry. The army never lost a horse yet.
>> Well, we break any records. Wasn't trying for any records. Just had to get here on time. That's all.
>> All right. What do we do now? Do we saddle up and go home?
>> We got to meet somebody. Meet >> man would be lost without a watch.
>> I don't know. He did all right for a couple of million years. Who we meeting, SGE?
Somebody important. Secret orders.
>> You hear that? Do you hear that, you guys? Secret orders. The army's counting on you, Iron Pants. So, let's snap two.
Huh?
>> What we doing? Looking for dust stoms?
>> Oh, you heard the man. He said important. We count buffalo feet divided by four AND MAKE A REPORT.
>> SEE, THAT'S THE trouble with you guys.
You just don't realize how important we are.
>> Shut it and hold your positions.
Comanches.
I've waited a long time for this. Put it down. That's who we're waiting for.
Waiting for you. Mean we came here to meet them Comanches.
>> That's right.
>> You ain't here.
Give two years of my life to kill me.
Comanche.
He had to meet a wagon trade a couple of years ago. Brought to me only the Comanches got there first. Was a soul left alive. Neither of a woman or a kid or nobody.
We buried him.
And I ain't never been so sick. Hey, he's bringing one in.
Mount up. We're moving out.
>> Who's your friend?
>> He's a guest of the government, and I want you to treat him like one. Now, mount up.
>> All right, man.
>> How do you figure it?
>> You heard what the sge said. A guest of the government.
>> I'll tell you one thing. Ain't but one way to bring in a Comanche and that ain't on a horse that's across it.
Come on boy.
Roger. You better give him a rest. We've been driving him pretty hard.
The >> sooner I get him where we're going, the better I'll like it.
>> Killing ourselves. Besides, what are you getting so worked up for? Nobody buddy with him. Head those rocks.
This is such Hello.
What were they the patches? I think I'll get >> How's it going, sir?
I missed it. First real job we get and I missed it.
>> Anything we can do, S?
>> Get back. Keep your eyes open. They're not through.
Hop.
>> Yes, sir.
>> Hop.
Well, we got to get him back to the fort.
>> Since when did one dirty command become so important?
>> That's what I'm trying to tell you. He's their chief. He's going to the fort to sign a treaty. His whole nation.
>> Why us?
Who figured out fool him? Never thinking they suspect us. Too important.
>> Somebody must have got word to those Apaches mighty fast. That ambush was pretty well set up. S >> got word maybe from my camp.
Apache is afraid if my people make peace, make weak, all indenation.
Young braves, my tribe agree with Apache. They like see me dead. We've got to get back to that fort. If we can get the Comanches to sign, other tribes might vow.
All right, Sugar, you'll think of Let the others know. Huh?
>> Yes, S. You just take it easy, huh?
Awful.
>> If he die, >> you better hope he doesn't. Indian, >> he wants to do a job. All I want to do is get back to the fort in one piece.
How long are they going to keep that up?
Sure. Getting on my nerves.
>> Exactly what they want to do.
Wear us out. Stop us from getting any sleep.
>> I still can't believe they choose us for this job.
>> Does that prove it to you, Hopper?
>> Yeah.
>> How do you figure we going to get out of this?
>> Well, I figure we got two chances.
>> Yeah. Slim and none.
>> No. Figure we might be able to slip through then. Well, I figure they don't want us.
They want that commands.
>> You mean you going to give him up?
Didn't say that. If you ask our chances, I'M GIVING THEM TO YOU.
>> THIS STUFF.
>> KEEP IT QUIET, PAUL.
>> WELL, I GOT TO KEEP IT UP ALL NIGHT.
>> LOOK, YOU'RE DOING EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO DO. NOW, you men listen to me. If we let this thing get to us, we ain't got no chance at all. WHERE ARE YOU GOING, ANDREW?
>> WELL, I thought I'd stay with Morgan a while.
You might need me.
>> All right. And while you're at it, try praying us up a regiment or two. Huh?
We might be able to slip one man through.
>> He wouldn't get a 100 yards.
>> How far do you think we're going here?
>> Papa?
>> Yeah.
>> Did you really mean what you said? You know, about letting him have aloo.
>> I didn't say no such thing.
>> Oh, sure you did.
>> What I said was that it might be our only chance. That's what I said.
>> Would you?
If it's the only way, would you let the Apaches take him?
>> I would.
I sure would. Of >> course, that tree would do a lot of help out here. Save an awful lot of lives.
>> Yeah, everybody's except ours.
>> How about you, Haro? How do you feel?
>> What difference does it make? We'll do exactly as Morgan tells us to do.
>> We will, won't we? I mean, if he says we're going to die for that Indian, we'll die for her because he's head man.
>> That ain't true.
>> Morgan's dead.
>> Well, Hopper, I guess, all the rest of thy life.
and thou shalt dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Hold it.
We're going to need all the ammunition we've got.
All right, get back to your post.
>> Sorry, Serge.
>> Not easy. Bury a friend.
>> No, it ain't Indian. Not when he died for something like you.
>> Plate the supply check harper. Few rations. Two cantens of water.
>> That ain't much.
Easy. Keep going.
Easy.
Easy.
EASY.
HEAT. HEAT.
Nothing happen, Hopper. GIVE HIM TO HIM.
>> SHUT UP.
>> WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO? WAIT, WE'RE ALL DEAD.
>> GET BACK TO YOUR POST.
>> Maple's right, Hop. We ain't got a chance.
>> The next man that opens his mouth won't have to worry about NO APACHES. NOW GET BACK TO YOUR POST.
EZEKIEL, let me ask What do them initials stand for?
>> Nothing. Just CQ.
>> Must mean something.
>> And be just ZQ. I guess I ought to know.
I got a brother named AJ.
Nothing else. Just AJ.
>> Are you guys nuts? Those Indians are picking us off one by one. And you sit here talking like we're back in the barracks.
>> Hold it down, Bull. Getting all worked up ain't going to make them Apaches disappear.
>> Well, I'm not just going to sit here and end up like Andrew and Morgan.
Bull ain't going to last much longer.
Don't look like any of us is.
>> How long, Hopper? How long you going to wait?
>> You got any suggestions?
>> Yeah, there's only one of him and five of us.
Why? That's crazy.
>> Ride, son. Ride.
>> I think he made it.
>> Seems strange. They could have got him easy.
>> They own him before now. Oh. One thing for sure, you'll know tomorrow morning cuz help will be back by then.
Homie, get back to the fort. The beer's on me.
>> We got to stay sober. You want to be drunk when they pin those metals on us.
Hop.
Hold it.
>> They look like they want to talk.
>> We would speak with your officer.
>> Start talking.
>> You are brave soldiers. The few of you fight like many.
>> What do you want? We have sent to our village for more braves. By tomorrow's son, there will be 10 for each one of your soldiers.
>> Tell him, Hopper, Buller will be back with a whole company of iron pants by then.
>> He knows that. That's why he's here.
Send us the Comanche. You can go free.
We're taking him to the fort. You are fools to die for a land that does not want you. You are our brothers. We do not wish to kill you.
You have until tomorrow's son.
Send us the Comanche. You can ride away without fear.
Keep your eyes open just in case our brothers decide to disown us.
>> Keep your eyes open, toothpick.
What are you doing?
>> Sergio, ride away. I pray his safety.
>> His are yours.
>> My life not important. Treaty important.
>> If it's so important, what took you so long to You're right. Well, my men are living what's left of them. And that's what I'm worried about. Not your treaty.
>> You not believe what you speak. Treaty important. You and your people. Me and my people. I wouldn't count on that.
>> And why you not give me to Apache?
I hear them. They say you will be free.
>> I'll tell you, Subindian.
If Bull hadn't have gotten away, I would have done just that. I wouldn't see another one of my men killed to save your life. You speak or you not go to fort without me.
You not like to fail.
We much the same, you and I.
>> And don't you start that brother stuff.
>> Men not brothers for what they are here, but what they feel here.
has won a mean defeat for your people.
I wish my people live with dignity.
Treaty can do that.
What matter of battle lost if peace won.
All right, we'll get you to the fort.
Must be over a hundred of them out there.
>> Come on, Bugle. Let us hear you blowing.
Soldiers, send out chief. Send out the Comanche or die. We will give you one hour. Send the traitor to us.
>> It's both.
Dear Lord, get him off. Get him off.
What they done to him?
YES.
YOU FILTHY BUSHES. BROTHERS. DIRTY STINKING BROTHERS.
ALL RIGHT, MOUNT UP.
>> WHAT?
We're getting out of here.
>> What about him?
>> Do you all want to wind up like >> It's too bad. That metal would have felt real good.
>> Yeah, it' be a little hard to feel it 6 feet under. Now get Bull on his horse.
Tie him on.
>> Hopper, what about him?
I'll get him mounted.
Once he heads for the Apaches, you follow me and don't look back.
We're going to need all the head start we can get.
Come on.
Heat.
Heat.
Heat.
Heat.
Somebody got to have it.
>> Don't seem like it.
>> What did he be doing in the woods by himself?
>> Main thing is now we know they got to be nearby.
>> That's right.
Grab him by the shoulder, will you?
>> Somewhere near, that's for certain.
>> You about ready? About Come on.
We'll be able to find where the Yaks are real soon now.
Nearly noon.
Once we do find them, how long you think it'll take us to get back and report?
>> Oh, ride and hide by sundown.
>> Good. That's good. Then our boys can surprise him during the night.
Raise your hand from Out of the West.
Dick Powell's Same Gray Theater. Tonight star Dick Powell.
Let's find a boy.
>> What's that?
>> I found it lady where he was hiding.
What's this boy?
>> He ain't say nothing about nothing.
About 12 from the look of him. Can't be no soldier.
>> Cap like theirs, blouse like theirs. Who are you, boy?
You've been laying up there all the time listening.
>> No.
>> You hear we're scouting here about for Yank troops. Who you I found some wires up there.
>> That's what they call a telegraph key. I guess that's what they use to send messages.
>> I ain't never seen one of these things.
>> Never mind. You ain't just for the Yanks, boy. You're with them, mate. And one of them boys goes along with the Ank troops. Helps delay the wise. sends those messages.
>> I don't say nothing to no dirty reps.
>> Your Yanks are near here. You might as well say somewhere near.
>> I told you I don't say nothing to no dirty reps.
>> Ah, that's enough of that. They're laying wire for this telegraph. They're laying it down all along the river.
Maybe all the way from St. Louis. All went to them blue bellas looking for a way to cross the river and take Vixsburg. Now they're moving just like the colonel said.
>> You're moving them some outfits, ain't you?
Oh, he don't have to say. All we got to do is follow the wire and find him.
Trouble is, we we got a whole lot of him now.
You take the boy, Lawrence. Find yourself a place away from here that's hid real good. You hide yourself from the boy. Keep yourself out of sight.
As soon as I I find where they are, I'll be coming back this way. I'll whistle coming back like this.
You answer the same way >> for sure. Yeah.
>> All right.
>> This way, boy.
I'm not hungry.
>> What's your name, boy?
>> Zachary.
>> About to call you Zach. How old are you?
>> Going to be 13.
>> Mean you're 12.
How come to put a boy 12 into a job like yours? You got to be in school.
>> I can do the job. And besides, it means a man free to fight you reps.
You're able to work that thing, huh?
That telegraph.
>> I can work it good.
>> Somebody got alert your thing like that, don't you?
>> You reps are going to lose this for her.
You're going to lose it and we're going to hang y'all.
>> Sure thing.
>> And I'm not talking to you about nothing.
>> That's all right.
I bet you don't know what kind of bird that is.
>> You never heard that bird?
>> There's lots of birds listen to where I come from in Illinois that you never heard either.
Except I never heard this one.
>> That's a mocking bird.
>> Mockingberg.
That's a funny name.
I guess so.
>> Where'd they get a name like that for a bird?
>> Mocking bird sounds like a lot of other birds, too. Sings his own songs and other bird songs. That's why the name sings real nice, don't he?
>> Yeah, real nice.
>> He's just talking now. He likes to do that, you know, just kind of saying hello to everybody.
Yeah, just talking.
I don't know what he's saying, but I reckon it's finally talk.
>> I reckon more about that that telegraph. Aren't you kind of young to know a hard thing like that?
>> Mr. Summers, he's a station agent back to home. He showed me. Almost anybody might learn it if he put his mind to it.
>> You think so?
Thanks.
prettiest place in southern Illinois.
We grow mostly corn.
>> How many acres you got?
>> About 60.
>> We got us 85. Only 40. You cleared the crops.
>> I go home. I'm the man. Now >> you boy 12 head of the house.
>> He's going on 13 and I got to be on account of my paws dead in the war.
>> He was killed at Fort Donaldelsson.
>> I got no reason to be talking the likes of you.
>> War.
You ain't going nowhere's boy.
>> You all right?
>> Yeah. Yes.
>> Did you find him Yanks?
No, but I found that telegraph wagon he come from and I got me two blue bellies anyway.
>> Warren and Jones.
>> Yeah, >> I figure the main party of Yanks got to be close to that wagon. So I look for them, but I don't find them. Looking nine to an hour. Well, they got to be around someplace. Oh, it's these woods.
They don't let you see off.
Well, a regiment that's the size of a body of men not to find. Yeah, it depends on which side of the woods they are.
See here? Look here. Here's these woods.
Now, we we don't know which way they run or where the Yanks are. They might be they might be here or or here or some other point outside the woods. Oh, it's tearing me. We ain't found them yet.
Where's your canteen? Mine's dry.
Thank you.
It's nice here. You found you a spot like there's no war nowhere.
Except there he is.
Maybe you got to talk, boy.
I'm going to make you talk. You think maybe I can't make you talk? You think maybe I won't make you? I kind of You're just a young pup. Boy, we got no time's a waste.
>> Ain't no way to get a boy to talk.
>> How do you know? You got any kids?
>> No.
>> Well, it's getting on past noon. We got to locate them Yanks and report back how many they got moving down. We got to do that. and only one of us to look and account him.
I guess you understand what's going to happen if they cross the river and take Vixsburg. I guess you understand they'll be holding the river clear to New Orleans. I guess I know that.
>> Only you don't seem to feel it like you should that it's them coming down against us. I don't need to be told.
>> Boy, you know we we can't make you talk.
>> Well, no you can't.
>> Are we going to try, son? because we got to.
>> And I'm not talking cuz if I do, my part that's in his grave on a county you reps killed him. He'd walk right out of his grave and spit at me. Now you do all you want and I'm not talking.
>> That boy ain't going to talk.
>> I still say he ain't talking. We got to forget about him. I got I don't mind to argue with the boy.
>> He ain't talking. The same time he's wound around our neck. So both of us can't be looking for the Yanks at the same time.
Just a boy.
>> You had a gun. What would you do, boy?
>> I'd shoot you dead.
>> Just a boy. We're wasting our time. It's my turn to go looking and I'm going.
What's the matter?
>> Oh, it's these boots hurting on pension, so I'd like to lose my toes. Yankee boots. I'll go.
>> Now, you got to watch and listen sharp.
They'll be scouting these woods. You better tie him up or something.
You talking that big mouth talk to Townsen. You think this war is something we like? You think you know what it's about?
>> I know my paw.
>> Sure. Paw's dead and that's a bad thing.
But when you get home, your your house will be there, your crops and your barns and your family.
Well, in this part of the country, that's all gone, boy. For most of us.
What's it game? What's it prove?
>> Well, why'd you rep set yourself against the government?
>> Now, you stop asking me questions, boy.
You hear me?
You found him.
>> Looks like a regiment setting up camp that way. We're going to have to ride hard. If we got to take him alone, it's going to slow us down.
>> Hollow Jeff. Hol.
>> All right, boy. Let's go. Where you taking me?
>> I'm taking words can't leave here to talk.
>> Can't take him either, Lawrence. You got to understand that we got to stay out of sight and we got to do it quiet and fast and then we got to ride. Got to be one way or the other. Ain't no way out.
Believe me, he talks. Take him with us.
Can't talk. One or the other. One other way.
You can't be thinking. That's what I mean.
You can't.
>> That's what I mean. And before you say another word, you tell me another way.
That's right. You can't. Cuz there ain't no other way.
Lord God might.
No, there's minutes slipping away waiting here. You know we got to do it. You know I tell you I got to think it out. Ain't no more to think. Ain't any thinking time left?
You understand what you're saying to your own men? I do. You understand?
You're setting up for Carter and Rambo and where to die.
>> Now don't say that. Ours are theirs.
That's the way of war.
>> Oh, it lays on me. What you say is reasonable and I understand it. I I got no argument. But I got to wait.
>> Why, Lawrence? Why?
>> I got to come to what's right in my mind. And when I come to it, if they find our boys and attack and the Colonel looks to hear what's happening here, he's going to court marshall you and hang it. DON'T THREATEN ME. I'M SAYING WHAT'S SO you and me was on the same side fighting. You and me.
>> He's no soldier.
>> Soldier enough to send those messages through. And that's as good as killing.
Working for them as good as killing.
Anyone Anyone does for them, they're the same as soldiers.
You You think it comes natural to me to do a thing like that? It's the war brings a man to it.
You hear something?
You don't hear nothing? No.
>> No, you don't.
No more. You don't? What are you talking about?
>> Nothing.
Hello.
Oh my god.
You understand what's going on, son?
>> I asked you something.
>> Well, you know where our men are, and you're going back to your camp and tell them as quick as you can.
>> And if we take you along, you're going to be a lot of trouble. If we leave you, are you going to talk and tell your side where the rebs are?
Then what are we supposed to do with you, son?
What are we supposed to do with you?
How you going to do it?
>> How? I asked you.
>> Well, I ain't thought exactly.
>> Well, you thought to do it. You know you got it. And you ain't thought how.
What are you doing here? You would ain't begun to shave yet.
Wearing that wishing you had a gun so you get fired. Think that's all there is to soldiering? You a bull calf just weaned yesterday.
I asked you and you're going to say how.
Maybe I don't understand nothing no more. You're the one understood everything all along and I want to hear how. Well, I don't know. Maybe we could.
He's getting away. Stop, Zach. Stop.
Low Townsen. Go back, SON. LOOK OUT.
>> NO, TOWNSEN. It's the only way it's got to be.
>> Stop, sir. Stop before they got it.
>> Hello, Jeff. Hello.
No, wait.
Come on, boy. We found the rest of them.
We got to report back.
>> You don't understand. He >> He's a reb. That's what I understand.
Come on.
>> But But he was all right.
>> We got no time. Come on.
>> He's as good as dead. Besides, >> he's alive.
>> He's a reb.
>> You can't leave him.
>> You can't leave him.
You can't leave him cuz you can't do it.
You can't leave him. You can't.
You're going to be all right.
Yeah. All right.
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