Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:03 Hey, anybody here?
00:11 Yeah, just a minute.
00:13 Howdy.
00:17 Howdy.
00:18 I'm looking for Miss Stella Winters.
00:20 Mm-hmm, yeah.
00:21 She said you was coming in.
00:22 Well, that's her dressing room right over there.
00:25 Sublime.
00:25 Mm.
00:26 Mr. Randall?
00:33 In here, if you--
00:35 You know who I am?
00:42 Stella Winter, toaster of Europe and one of the great opera
00:45 stars of our time.
00:46 Seems you've been reading newspapers.
00:48 Well, I had a seat in the upper balcony Friday night.
00:51 Man of your background?
00:52 That's very gratifying.
00:54 My mother played a little piano, Bach and Chopin.
00:57 Seeing your performance was a great experience for me.
01:00 It's an honor to meet you.
01:01 You're very kind.
01:03 I'm afraid I don't deserve your admiration, though.
01:05 You see, I'm a shamelessly foolish woman, Mr. Randall.
01:10 All this-- this acclaim, I--
01:12 I expected it to protect me from the dangers
01:14 of the American frontier.
01:15 Denver is not exactly considered a frontier, ma'am.
01:17 Not these days.
01:18 Perhaps not to you, but it's considerably
01:20 different than in England.
01:22 I-- I hope you'll forgive me.
01:24 I'm under a dreadful strain.
01:25 This note was delivered to my hotel this afternoon.
01:31 It's the most terrifying thing that's ever happened to me.
01:33 I-- I need your help, Mr. Randall.
01:35 And unless I get it--
01:36 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:40 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:43 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:47 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:50 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:53 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:56 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:59 [MUSIC PLAYING]
02:02 [MUSIC PLAYING]
02:05 [MUSIC PLAYING]
02:08 [MUSIC PLAYING]
02:11 [MUSIC PLAYING]
02:14 [THEME MUSIC]
02:31 [THEME MUSIC]
02:34 [CHUCKLES]
02:54 Well, I guess you don't need this.
02:56 They told me you were honest, but I
02:57 had to find out for myself.
02:59 You took quite a chance.
03:01 I might have left with those diamonds.
03:02 You wouldn't have gotten past the door.
03:05 That's not a stage prop.
03:07 This is not a play, Mr. Randall.
03:09 You'll read this, and you'll see what I mean.
03:10 You don't need me, the sheriff here in town.
03:22 It says here that if I go to the law, my sister will be killed.
03:26 Well, if you figure your sister's worth $5,000,
03:30 I'd pay 'em.
03:30 She's worth every dollar I can put my hand on.
03:32 Now, are you going to follow up my instructions or not?
03:36 Miss Winter, your English accent's gone.
03:39 If you be impudent, you'll get your face slapped.
03:42 I'm sorry.
03:48 All right, I'm not British.
03:50 My-- my sister and I come from Nashville, from Front Street,
03:54 if you must know the truth.
03:56 It's come to my attention that your sister, Amy Winter,
04:00 has been missing for several days.
04:03 I know where she is, and I regret to say her position
04:05 is extremely precarious.
04:07 However, for the consideration of $5,000,
04:09 I will take the necessary risk of life
04:11 and limb to effect her release.
04:13 Well, that's a nice way to say he kidnapped her.
04:16 Very subtle.
04:18 You know this, Cornelius T. Mason?
04:21 No.
04:24 How long has your sister been gone?
04:25 Since last Saturday night.
04:26 I-- I left here directly after the performance and went home,
04:30 and the maid said that she'd gone out.
04:32 Did she say who with?
04:33 Apparently alone.
04:35 She hadn't come back on Sunday, and I haven't seen her since.
04:39 Listen, do you have any idea where she might have gone?
04:41 No, no, I haven't.
04:44 I kept thinking she'd come back.
04:46 Was there any trouble between you two?
04:48 No.
04:49 Any men?
04:51 No, none.
04:53 Look, Miss Winter, if you want me to help you now,
04:55 you've got to be telling me the truth.
04:57 I am telling you the truth.
05:00 Good enough.
05:01 Well, according to this, the money
05:02 is to be paid tomorrow night, 10 o'clock, at the livery
05:04 stable in Sugar Creek.
05:06 I have the money.
05:08 Do you think you could make it in time?
05:10 I'll make it my business to.
05:12 The thing that worries me is it doesn't say where
05:14 my sister's to be released or when.
05:17 Well, if you follow these instructions in every detail,
05:20 your sister will be returned in due course.
05:22 Due course.
05:24 That's not good enough.
05:25 Well, I'll see if I can't improve on it.
05:28 Goodbye.
05:28 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:32 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:35 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:38 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:41 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:44 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:47 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:50 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:53 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:56 [MUSIC PLAYING]
05:59 [MUSIC PLAYING]
06:02 [MUSIC PLAYING]
06:05 [MUSIC PLAYING]
06:08 [MUSIC PLAYING]
06:11 [MUSIC PLAYING]
06:40 Mr. Mason?
06:41 That's right.
06:43 You got the money?
06:45 I want to see Amy Winter.
06:47 Have you got the money?
06:50 Not this instant.
06:52 Where is it?
06:53 Where I can get my hands on it when I need it.
06:56 I'll give you 10 minutes.
06:57 I want to see Amy Winter first.
06:59 That isn't the way it works.
07:01 You turn over the money and go to the hotel,
07:03 and you stay there.
07:05 If the money's right, you'll get word
07:07 where to find the girl.
07:08 You want the $5,000, you're going to have to do things my way.
07:10 I understand your position, but I'm
07:22 just following instructions.
07:24 I'm just a go-between.
07:26 I didn't kidnap the girl.
07:28 Who did?
07:29 Suppose you tell me who you are.
07:32 My name is Josh Randall.
07:33 Oh, I'm impressed.
07:36 Who's got the girl?
07:37 The gentleman in question was very clear on that point.
07:40 He wants to remain a nominus.
07:42 When I make the transaction, I want Miss Winter and him
07:44 here together in one hour.
07:46 That's not possible.
07:48 All right.
07:49 Two hours.
07:50 I told you it's not up to me.
07:52 I'm just a go-between.
07:54 Who gave you the job?
07:55 Mister, I'm trying to be of help.
07:56 As a public spirited citizen, I don't
07:58 want to have to stand abuse from you.
08:00 So take my advice.
08:02 Follow the instructions, or you might
08:05 never see Amy Winter again.
08:07 I'd better see her, and on my terms.
08:09 Now you go tell that to the man in question.
08:11 Two hours, right here.
08:12 And Miss Winter better be fit to serve tea.
08:14 Do you hear me?
08:16 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:19 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:23 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:26 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:30 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:33 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:36 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:39 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:42 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:45 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:48 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:51 [KNOCKING]
08:53 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:56 [MUSIC PLAYING]
08:59 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:02 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:05 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:08 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:11 [SHOUTING]
09:12 [WATER SPLASHING]
09:15 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:18 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:22 And so he says, build a new sluice box,
09:25 and use the old one for a bathtub.
09:26 [LAUGHTER]
09:30 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:33 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:37 [CHATTER]
09:40 [LAUGHTER]
09:43 [MUSIC PLAYING]
09:46 [CHATTER]
09:50 10,000 cattle.
10:04 10,000 cattle, everybody.
10:06 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:09 10,000 cattle have gone astray, and left my range,
10:14 and traveled away.
10:17 What's a piano player drinking?
10:19 Champagne.
10:20 Oh, champagne, huh?
10:21 He's a Frenchman.
10:23 Well, I'll take a bottle.
10:25 Comes high, $2.
10:27 I can only live once.
10:28 Yeah, sometimes even that isn't a bargain.
10:31 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:34 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:37 [CHATTER]
10:40 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:43 [CHATTER]
10:47 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:50 [CHATTER]
10:53 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:57 [CHATTER]
11:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
11:03 [CHATTER]
11:07 There you go.
11:08 You can have one on me.
11:11 Don't mind if we do.
11:13 Come on, honey.
11:14 You're a very generous monsieur.
11:16 Very nice.
11:17 Très charmant.
11:18 Très jolly.
11:20 Henri's learned me to speak French.
11:22 He might as well.
11:23 You never did do much good with English.
11:25 [LAUGHTER]
11:27 Now, here's to Mr. uh--
11:28 Gaspar.
11:29 Henri Gaspar.
11:30 To Mr. Gaspar, who plays a very fine piano.
11:32 [CHATTER]
11:36 [LAUGHTER]
11:38 Pardonnez-moi, monsieur.
11:40 My employer grows impatient.
11:43 You going to be around long?
11:44 I don't think so.
11:45 [MUSIC PLAYING]
11:48 I, uh, don't suppose you know any Chopin?
11:54 Some.
11:56 Etude in C?
11:57 I know it.
11:59 You know, my favorite was always that, uh, E flat in Octave.
12:04 What did you say your name was, monsieur?
12:05 Randall.
12:07 I like to play it very slow.
12:11 [MUSIC PLAYING]
12:15 [CHATTER]
12:18 [MUSIC PLAYING]
12:22 Here, what do you think you're doing?
12:47 I asked him to play it.
12:49 He'll empty the house with his stuff.
12:51 These shovel pushers won't sit still for that.
12:53 Well, if they get used to it, you've got an opera
12:55 coming to town here, haven't you?
12:56 L'Opera in Sugar Creek?
12:58 Mister, are you wrong?
13:00 Well, what's that opera star's sister doing here in town?
13:02 What are you talking about?
13:03 Well, sir, just a few minutes ago,
13:05 she boarded a stage for Denver.
13:06 Who?
13:07 Amy Winter.
13:08 You know, Stella Winter's sister, that big opera star.
13:11 A waiter pointed them both out to me in Denver in a restaurant
13:13 just last Tuesday.
13:14 Just remember, Hank, you're getting
13:16 paid to play what they like.
13:18 Now get to it.
13:21 I'm sorry, huh?
13:22 [MUSIC PLAYING]
13:26 You leaving, Hank?
13:31 [MUSIC PLAYING]
13:34 [MUSIC PLAYING]
13:37 What are you drinking?
13:53 Nothing, thanks.
13:54 [MUSIC PLAYING]
13:59 [CHATTER]
14:02 If he asks, I will return very shortly, huh?
14:15 All right.
14:16 But don't forget my French lesson.
14:17 [MUSIC PLAYING]
14:28 [MUSIC PLAYING]
14:32 [MUSIC PLAYING]
14:36 [MUSIC PLAYING]
14:40 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:04 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:07 I'm not going to let you cut me out.
15:09 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:13 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:17 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:21 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:32 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:35 [MUSIC PLAYING]
15:55 [MUSIC PLAYING]
16:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
16:04 Amy Winder?
16:24 Yes.
16:25 What is it you want here, Mr. Randall?
16:27 Your sister sent me.
16:29 Why?
16:30 To take you home.
16:31 She thinks you've been kidnapped by, uh--
16:33 by him.
16:36 I saw you with Mason.
16:38 Mason?
16:39 Yes, in the saloon.
16:41 Oui, Mason.
16:42 I-- I do not deny it.
16:43 He asked me if I wanted to make some-- how do you say--
16:45 easy money.
16:47 And I told him no.
16:48 You're sure trying hard.
16:50 Kidnap an easy way.
16:51 No rough stuff.
16:52 You just, uh, get the girl to run away with you,
16:53 and then you send a ransom note.
16:55 All the time, you got her all wrapped up right here.
16:57 Amy, I refuse to stand for this.
16:58 Henri.
17:00 You say my sister sent you?
17:01 You go right back and tell her this won't work.
17:04 And on your way out, look up the sign on the door of this house
17:06 and tell her about that, too.
17:07 As soon as Henri gets enough money,
17:09 we're going to be married.
17:10 You march right back to Denver and tell that to Stella.
17:12 Look, Miss Winder, to me, this is just a job.
17:15 But believe me, I know this kind of a man,
17:16 and he has no intentions of marrying me.
17:18 [MUSIC PLAYING]
17:21 [GRUNTING]
17:25 Henri.
17:47 What's he done?
17:48 Let go of me.
17:49 Let go.
17:50 I'm sorry, lady.
17:51 You've killed him.
17:52 Listen, I'm afraid not.
17:53 By the time he wakes up, we're going to be out of here.
17:55 I'm not going anywhere.
17:56 Now, listen to me.
17:57 All he was interested in was the money.
17:58 I don't believe that.
17:59 Miss Winder, I know this is a hard thing for you to face,
18:01 but the man made a fool out of you,
18:02 and I'm sure you weren't the only one.
18:04 Now, if I let you go, will you sit down and be quiet?
18:06 He loves me.
18:14 I know that.
18:16 Well, we'll take the stage first thing in the morning
18:18 to Denver, and you can tell your sister all about it.
18:19 I don't want to tell my sister all about it.
18:21 I don't want to spend the rest of my life being
18:23 Stella Winder's little sister.
18:25 You mean she won't go out of trouble
18:27 to get you out of this jam.
18:28 Oh, you don't know what you're talking about.
18:30 You don't know what it's been like.
18:32 It's better than starving to death on Front Street.
18:35 How did you know about Front Street?
18:36 Would you tell me what good it is to meet
18:41 the cream of society when--
18:43 well, I'm just supposed to stay in the background
18:45 and keep my mouth shut like a stick of furniture.
18:48 And anyone can write a ransom note.
18:51 Now, listen, I met Mason at 10 o'clock,
18:52 just like that note said.
18:54 Right afterwards, he made a beeline for the saloon
18:55 to meet your boyfriend.
18:58 Henri?
19:00 Yeah, Henri.
19:01 He loves me.
19:06 He meant every word he said to me.
19:09 Well, why don't we just settle this once and for all, huh?
19:12 [music playing]
19:15 All right, hold out your hand.
19:26 2,500.
19:29 I-- I did not comprehend, monsieur.
19:31 I told Mason I'd pay off just as soon as I got
19:33 Miss Winder's back again.
19:34 Here's the other 2,500.
19:39 That makes 5,000.
19:40 You know, you didn't really have to try to kill me.
19:42 I would have paid off anyhow.
19:43 Chari, I-- I do not know what to say.
19:55 But with this money--
20:02 [music playing]
20:05 Stay your leave for dinner at 9 o'clock in the morning.
20:15 Suppose I come by and pick you up at 8:30.
20:17 [music playing]
20:20 [door opens]
20:21 [music playing]
20:24 Did you find Mason?
20:40 Oh, I think he's cleared out too.
20:44 Then he was Henri's partner.
20:46 I think he was just a public-minded citizen.
20:48 I heard your sister was looking for him.
20:50 Tried to get rich the easy way.
20:52 Well, you think that Mason sent the ransom note?
20:55 Possible.
20:56 Well, then Henri didn't really kidnap me.
21:00 Yeah, that's possible too.
21:03 But he took the money.
21:07 Mr. Randall, I was upset last night,
21:09 and, well, I said a lot of things.
21:13 Stella's been very good to me, really.
21:15 She's been wonderful.
21:17 I know.
21:18 She warned me about Henri, told me to stay away from him.
21:22 I don't know what I'm going to say to her now,
21:24 how I'm going to face her.
21:26 Well, come on.
21:27 Time to get aboard.
21:30 [music playing]
21:33 [music playing]
21:36 [music playing]
21:53 [chatter]
22:00 Would you see who that is?
22:03 [music playing]
22:06 Amy.
22:12 Oh, thank heavens.
22:13 Oh, my poor darling.
22:14 I--
22:15 I know.
22:16 [music playing]
22:19 We're both deeply grateful to you.
22:23 Of course, you buy $5,000.
22:26 And bringing Amy back is the only thing that matters.
22:30 Who was this-- this kidnapper?
22:33 Well-- well, you saw him, didn't you?
22:35 Yes, ma'am.
22:36 Well, what did he look like?
22:39 Well, his name was Gaspar, and, uh,
22:42 he and a couple of members of the old Hennessy outfit.
22:45 He had your sister all tied and gagged
22:47 and staked out in a tool shed outside of Sugar Creek.
22:49 Oh, Amy, it must have been horrible for you.
22:54 Well, it's over now.
22:56 I'd rather not talk about it.
22:57 Of course.
23:00 How can we ever thank you?
23:02 Well, which I could do very nicely.
23:04 [knocking]
23:07 On stage, Miss Winter.
23:09 In just a moment.
23:10 Can you wait until I'm through?
23:12 Yes, ma'am.
23:15 You'll be here when I get back, won't you?
23:17 I will.
23:18 [music playing]
23:22 [knocking]
23:23 That was very kind of you.
23:30 Why'd you do it?
23:32 A whole lot of reasons.
23:33 Thanks.
23:37 Gaspar was the world's biggest idiot.
23:45 Mm-mm.
23:47 I almost was.
23:48 [music playing]
23:51 [music playing]
23:56 [music playing]
23:59 [music playing]
24:02 [music playing]
24:05 [music playing]
24:08 [music playing]
24:11 [music playing]
24:15 [music playing]
24:19 [music playing]
24:22 [music playing]
24:26 [music playing]
24:29 [music playing]
24:32 (dramatic music)