1
We're the glory guys
Hell-bent for glory rides
But our glory lies
At heaven's door
We're a thunderin' herd
With "go" our only word
And we know no fear
Show no fear
Have no fear
Frown at fear
The glory guys
Free-wheelin' glory guys
We'll be do-or-dies forevermore
We're a lusty band
Who love this lusty land
And as one we stand
Loyal to the cause
We're the glory guys
Long may our banner rise
For it glorifies
Great gallantry
Such as we
The glory guys
Glory guys
Wake up, soldier. Wake up!
You all right now?
Yeah, thanks, Sergeant.
Take it easy, son.
What's the matter, Gentry?
You think you was chasing Indians?
Or was they chasing you?
- Sergeant, sir.
- Yeah?
Why don't we wait on the train, sir?
'Cause we're waiting right here
till the Captain shows up.
- When is that going to be?
- Soon enough.
I understand he has
important business downtown.
It's 1:00 in the morning.
Hey, and what kind of business do you
take care of at 1:00 in the morning?
Goodbye, Lou.
Your hat.
Your Moreau Gaillac.
For Auld Lang Syne?
We'll save the rest for next time.
Will there be a next time?
How will I see you again?
If you want to, you'll find me.
Or I'll find you.
Good night, Demas Harrod.
- One time!
- Time for work, guys.
- There it is!
- Why don't you try shootin' on the boards?
What's the matter, boy?
The law ain't after ya, is it?
Oh, no, sir.
I've run away from getting married.
- Shotgun wedding?
- Yeah.
My cousin, she moved in with us last fall.
Inside of a month, half the fellas in town
have been to the barn with her.
- You know how jolly some girls are?
- Yeah, I know.
Well, about five months later,
my father says to put on my Sunday suit.
Seems she's gonna have a baby,
and I'm elected.
I said, "All I ever did was kiss her."
And he says,
"Yeah, she sure looks that way."
Anyway, he said it was time
I quit school and settle down.
Marriage was just what I needed.
So when he went downstairs
to meet the preacher,
I went out the back window.
When I got here, I enlisted.
I was just wondering what happens
if he finds me here.
You're government property now, son.
Ain't...
Ain't nobody got any claim on you
'cept Uncle Sam, so stop worrying.
Captain Harrod.
Sergeant Gregory reporting, sir.
Recruits are ready to board the train, sir.
How do they strike you, Sergeant?
Well, mostly misfits, sir.
Japes, louts, rag-tags and bobtails.
They're also very much human beings.
Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Atten-hut!
- Fall in the men, Sergeant.
- Yes, sir.
All right, men, fall in.
Fall in in a straight line.
Come on, get in line. All right, all right,
back over there, soldier, come on!
Fix it up now, fix it up. All right, now.
Hurry it up now, all right!
Ready, sir!
Let me see your hands.
Soft as a goat's belly. Ever ride a horse?
No, sir. I get on all right,
but then I fall right off again.
- You'll learn.
- Yes, sir.
- Your name?
- Well, Gentry, sir.
- Previous service?
- None, sir.
- Your name?
- Officer...
- Your name.
- Uh, Dugan.
Dugan what?
Oh, uh, Anthony.
I... I mean, Anthony Dugan.
Uh, listen, what the hell,
you can call me Dugan.
I'm a captain in the Third Calvary.
When you speak to me or any other officer,
you say "sir."
Your name.
- Dugan, sir.
- That's better.
You're too fat in the butt
to make a horseman,
but we'll sweat that off you.
By tomorrow you will arrive
at Fort Doniphan
where you will join
the famous Third Calvary,
commanded by the great
General Frederick Chase McCabe.
It is my opinion that in a very short time,
he will have you engaged in a major battle
against the Sioux.
In other words, it is likely that in a month
from now, some of you,
maybe all of you,
including myself, will be dead.
In the time available, I aim to see
that each of you meets his fate
with as much competence
as the short training period will allow.
My luggage is somewhere
in the station, Sergeant.
- See that it's brought to my compartment.
- Yes, sir.
All right, men, pick up your stuff. Come on!
"What's your name? Say 'sir'!"
"Too fat in the butt"?
You'd think I was dirt under his feet.
You are, Dugan, and don't you forget it.
He's an officer
and you're just an enlisted man.
Oh, well, that may be, Sarge. That may be.
But anytime an officer starts telling me
that I'm dirt under his...
If you want to stay out of trouble, Dugan,
you'll keep your eyes open
and your mouth shut.
You'll just let one of them tell me
that I'm dirt under his feet...
Hush up, Dugan.
Two, three, four,
hup, two, three, four, hup...
Hup, hup, two, three, four,
for the right flank! Halt!
- Sergeant.
- Yeah?
I'm... I'm really sorry
if I called you lard-head, sir.
- You mean you're sorry that I heard you.
- That's right, sir. Uh...
Detail! Halt, hup, two!
About face!
- All right, Dugan, fall in.
- Yes, sir.
- Lieutenant Moyan, take over.
- Yes, sir.
- Any sign of progress, Sergeant?
- They'll learn, sir.
General McCabe's due back from his
meeting with Sheridan any time now.
It won't be long
before we're engaged in combat.
Yes, sir.
I want these men mounted and riding
by the end of the week.
In short order,
they'll become part of "D" Company
and I'll expect them to soldier accordingly.
- But, sir, they've only been training...
- You heard me, Sergeant.
Yes, sir.
- Whoa.
- Good afternoon, Mrs. Woodard.
Good afternoon, ma'am.
Bars right!
Whoa!
Right, left!
Detail, halt!
Prepare to mount!
Mount!
You gotta admit, I'm improving, Sarge.
I landed on my butt that time.
- Just get on the horse, Crain.
- Yes, sir.
- Good afternoon, Mrs. Woodard.
- Good afternoon, Major.
- Major Treadway.
- Mrs. Woodard.
Lieutenant Hodges, your rifle has been
ready in my gun shop for weeks.
I thought perhaps you'd forgotten it.
Or did you just order the rifle hoping
it would serve you as a means to an end?
I'll, uh, send for it tomorrow.
Major Marcus,
where are Captain Harrod's quarters?
In, um, building D, ma'am.
Left of the line, halt!
Company, halt!
Sound officers call.
- Sergeant, dismiss the company.
- Yes, sir.
Yo!
Looks to me like he had
a very successful visit with Sheridan.
Not successful in his terms, Mike,
unless he's been given command
of the whole campaign.
Attention!
Be at ease, gentlemen.
The news I bring
is what we have long hoped for.
The Third Cavalry is to join
with every available battalion and regiment
in the territory
to engage in a campaign to force all hostiles
to designated reservations
for now and always.
General, you'll be in command
of the campaign.
General Osborne will command.
But, gentlemen,
I have called you here to make it quite clear
that while six regiments of infantry
and cavalry will be hunting the enemy,
it will be the Third Cavalry
that will find it and destroy it.
And, gentlemen, I command the Third.
Dismissed.
Captain Harrod,
if I could see you for a moment.
So you're back with us, Captain.
I'm delighted to see you.
I was told you requested my transfer,
General.
So I did, so I did.
Ah, Rachael, come in.
I thought we'd take supper
before I unpacked.
Fine. You remember Captain Harrod.
It's been some time.
How do you do, Captain?
Mrs. McCabe.
I was just telling Captain Harrod
how pleased I am to have him back with us.
I hope the feeling is mutual, Captain.
Well, you know the old saying.
"Difficult to live with,
impossible to live without."
Of course he's glad to be here.
Fact is, I'm glad to be here myself.
There was some talk about putting me
behind a desk in Washington
with the rest of those coffee coolers,
but I wouldn't have it. No, sir.
Not even the chief of staff
could keep me from this fight.
This is my chance, and I won't lose it.
We'll hit those hostiles harder than we hit
the Apaches at Wishbone Creek.
Will that be all, sir?
Some things never die, do they, Harrod?
Only men die, General.
Captain Harrod,
I regret yourjoining the Third.
You're a bitter and vindictive man.
On the other hand, Mrs. McCabe,
my high regard for the Captain as a soldier
remains unchanged.
I shall try to warrant
the General's kind opinion.
I'm confident you will succeed.
Mrs. McCabe, General.
Good evening, Captain.
Demas, how'd it go?
- Huh?
- With McCabe.
Oh, he's happy to have me back
with the regiment.
What do you say we go into
Mule City tonight?
You haven't been off the post
since you got here.
- No, thanks, Mike.
- Captain.
This package was left for you, sir.
Thanks, Ben.
Demas, I hear you had
some trouble with McCabe once.
Right after Wishbone Creek, wasn't it?
That's right.
You gotta give him credit.
You sure beat the hell out of him that day.
Did you ever hear
what happened to Captain Harris
and his company at Wishbone?
Yeah, I heard they all got killed.
They all got murdered...
By Brevet Major General
Frederick Chase McCabe.
Harris and 34 green recruits.
McCabe used them as decoys
to flush out an Apache ambush.
They were wiped out
in the first ten minutes of battle,
expendable for the purpose of victory.
That was how McCabe
justified their massacre.
I heard several stories.
You just heard the real one, mister.
I was in charge of the burial detail.
After I saw the last man
put down and covered up,
I rode back, dismounted,
walked into McCabe's tent, saluted,
and I told him
just what I thought of his victory.
Now I'm back for one last fight.
Only this time, he's put me in charge
of the expendables.
Why, those recruits can't ride,
can't shoot, can't fight...
Can't even button their pants
twice the same way.
But for General "Glory" McCabe,
we can all do one thing superbly...
We can die.
Corporal. Corporal!
- Yes, sir?
- Saddle my horse,
-and get me some hot water for a bath.
- Yes, sir!
- Where you going?
-l'm going to Mule City!
You know, the day we get treated half as
good as our horses, that'll be the day.
Shut up, Dugan, or I'll have you eatin' hay
with the rest of the livestock.
Hay's a lot more better to chew
than what we've been getting.
When do we go to town and get a chance
at some decent food?
A week from Friday if you behave yourself.
- I hear Mule City is quite a place.
- Yep.
It's got everything you're looking for
in large-sized portions.
That's just what I've been looking for,
large-sized portions.
Well, I'm looking
for a medium-sized portion
that will give me a large-sized time.
Well, if you don't start having yourself
a "large-sized time" with that curry comb,
you ain't even gonna get out the gate,
let alone to Mule City.
Is Mrs. Woodard here?
- Upstairs.
- Thank you.
Won't you come up, Captain Harrod?
Surprised?
"Surprised" isn't the word for it.
Why didn't you tell me
you lived in Mule City?
Because I had no intention
of ever seeing you again.
- And now you do?
- That's up to you, Captain.
My father called this whiskey...
My husband called it sipping whiskey.
I've been a widow for three years, Demas.
Well, I'm sorry.
No, actually, I'm not sorry at all.
My husband was ill for a long time
before he died.
He left me this shop.
And I've done very well.
I'm a respectable widow
and businesswoman.
And this isn't a hotel room 200 miles away.
That's right, Captain. This is my home.
And I don't want talk.
At least, any more talk.
That's why I wanted to see you.
I knew that sooner or later we'd meet.
I had already thought you were in town,
and...
I wanted to have an understanding
before that happened.
And I wanted to have it in private.
You're hardly the subject
of a barrack-room story to me.
I understand the need for discretion
as well as you do.
What I am trying to tell you, Demas,
is that our...relationship must be the same,
both in public and in private.
Something happened between us.
It's not going to change
simply because we're in a different city.
-It'll have to change.
- I don't think it's possible.
Anything is possible if we try hard enough,
both of us.
How do you propose to trying
making this new relationship work?
Demas, don't be cruel.
I was only asking.
Just understand, and help me.
Please.
Please.
I understand.
I understand the only thing
I can do is not see you at all.
That's not an easy thing, Mrs. Woodard.
I dislike playing the gentleman.
But if you believe
that it will bring you happiness,
I'll consider it my privilege
to behave accordingly.
It's a hell of a feeling to say goodbye
after I've just found you again.
But that's the way you want it.
I guess.
For Auld Lang Syne, Captain?
Prepare to dismount!
Dismount!
Horses to the rear!
Sergeant, I want you to keep drilling
the men as long as there's daylight,
in preparation for tomorrow.
I keep hoping for some sign
that this platoon is capable
of fighting Indian warfare.
Right now, you couldn't hold your own
against a dozen angry mules.
- Carry on, Sergeant.
- Yes, sir!
- Somebody please tell me what's eating...
- Shut up, Dugan!
General, Mrs. McCabe,
may I present Mrs. Woodard.
Oh, we've met.
- Nice to see you again.
- Thank you, General.
General, I have a message from Sol Rogers.
Where is Sol, and why isn't he here?
Well, he said he'd call on you later, sir.
Soon as he finished some...
...business in town.
Oh. He said that, did he?
When you see Mr. Rogers, will you tell him
the General would like to speak to him.
I would be glad...
Lieutenant, would you care
to take supper with us?
Gladly.
- I gather we have another bond in common.
- Oh, do we?
Mrs. McCabe seems to have the same
fond regard for you as she does for me.
Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes.
No hurry.
Just make yourself comfortable.
Evening, Carl.
Oh, Mr. Rogers. Any luck this time?
- Yeah. ls Lou home?
- A-ha!
- Mmm.
- Good?
More than good.
Evenin', Lou.
Sol.
I got lucky this time.
More than 6,000 in gold.
Uh. Captain, Sol Rogers.
Sol, Captain Harrod.
- So you're Sol Rogers.
- That's right.
And I've got a lot of important things
to talk over with Mrs. Woodard.
In private, Captain.
So I suggest you leave. Right now.
Mr. Rogers, our dinner is getting cold.
So I suggest you come back a little later.
Say, uh...
Next week?
I'm sorry I can't oblige you.
But I'm sure you'll understand...
Sol...
No.
- I don't understand.
- Demas!
All right.
I hope this makes it clear!
I came back to tell you
I'm not gonna scout for McCabe this time.
Instead, you and me
are headed for California.
Excuse me, Mr. Rogers.
Old friend of yours?
Now, as I was saying, Lou...
I don't think I'm gonna invite you
to our wedding, Captain.
I don't think I'd come even if you asked me!
Sol! Demas! Please, that's enough!
Did you say something, honey?
Good evening, Mrs. Woodard.
Sol, General McCabe has instructed me
to escort you to the fort. Immediately.
By force, if necessary.
Please, Sol, go with him.
We can talk later.
I'll be back as soon as I can, darling.
All right, Lieutenant, let's go.
I didn't want you to leave
without my saying good night.
- May I wish you the same?
- No, that's enough, both of you!
Sol, you can say good night
to Demas some other time?
Sol, the General's waiting.
Sol, please go.
All right, honey.
Rogers seemed to think
that you two were going to get married.
He seemed to.
Does he have reason?
Yes, he does.
You owe me no explanations, Lou.
I made it clear to you
that you had no claim on me,
so it follows that I have none on you.
- I'd be glad to explain...
- When I'm in better shape for listening.
Goodbye, Lou.
Sol, it's imperative
that the Third Cavalry
be the primary force in this campaign.
When I go back to Washington
I want this victory hanging on my chest.
That might not be so easy, General.
The hostiles from every part
of this territory are massed together.
And they're waiting for you.
Yes, but will they wait, Sol?
Now that's my only worry.
That they'll scatter before I can find them.
You're gonna have to find them
without me this time, Fred.
I'm getting married.
- Lou Woodard?
- Yep.
I'd say congratulations, Sol,
but I can't believe you're ready
to settle down yet. Not you.
Aw, that's 'cause
you've only seen my fuzzy side.
Turn me over,
you'll find the tender skin
of a husband and a farmer.
Sol, I've been counting on you in this fight.
Now, we haven't missed
a campaign together in five years.
- I need you.
- Well, thanks for the compliment, General,
but in this particular campaign
I'm not too sure of the right and wrong.
So, I, uh, lwon't mind passing it up.
You could no more stay behind
while the Third moves out than I could.
Yeah, we'll see. We'll see.
You'll stick around for a while, won't you?
I need you to help outwith the training.
No, I'll be around.
Sol. Um...
You didn't object to my summons, did you?
Well, you did interrupt what you might call
a spirited disagreement of,
ahem, a personal nature.
Thanks for the hospitality, Mrs. McCabe.
Come back and see us, Sol. Please.
Yeah, I'll do that.
And I'll, uh, I'll bring my lady.
- Good night, Sol.
- Good night.
Well, aside from temporarily
costing me my chief of scouts,
what else has Lou Woodard done to warrant
your dislike.
Her reputation is doubtful
and to me she lacks propriety.
You're a fine one to talk about propriety.
All right, straighten up that column.
It ain't as bad as all that.
Look alive.
Hey, how come we're leaving the fort
without any weapons?
- Don't ask me.
- He didn't!
Huh.
Atten-hut!
Forward, ho.
- Cold morning.
- Where do you think we're going, Crain?
- Who knows?
- Who cares.
Captain?
I take it we're a good 20 miles
out of the fort.
About that.
Sergeant, have Lieutenant Moyan
report to me.
Yes, sir.
Captain wants to see you
front and center, sir.
Hey, Sergeant. Shouldn't we be carrying
weapons this far out?
We should, but we ain't.
Nothing to worry about, Clark.
I keep telling myself.
Apaches!
Demas!
Let's get them, ho!
Dugan!
At ease. Dugan!
At ease, Dugan!
- Sergeant, mount up the platoon.
- Yes, sir.
All right, men!
Catch those horses,
and mount up, on the double.
You caught us by surprise.
I was figuring on the gully up ahead.
I got a few more surprises for you, Captain.
But I'm saving them till tonight.
- What time?
-11 :00.
That's a little late.
I got somebody else to see
earlier in the evening.
I'll be waiting for you
in my quarters at 11:00.
Fall out! Ten-hut!
It should be clear to all of you
that if the ambush had been real,
the entire battalion
would have been annihilated.
Maybe through luck or fate
one or two of you might have stayed alive.
But in the fight that's coming up
I don't advise any of you
to depend on either luck
or fate to get you through.
- Form your platoon, Sergeant.
- Yes, sir.
Twos, left about, ho!
When I was a chicken
as big as a hen
They hit me 0l' mother and hit her again
Dugan!
What I got to say goes for you as well.
All right, men.
This being your first pass,
a word of caution might do a world of good.
For one thing,
you can't drink up all the rotgut in town
or take care of all the ladies in one night.
So take it easy.
Another thing.
Marshal Cushman is tough.
Too tough for my way of thinking,
so steer clear of his place.
And remember,
tomorrow, you become
part of "D" Company,
so I don't want none of you missing roll call.
All right, get going.
Well...
Out here in the territories, sir,
you will find no chic.
The finest in men's apparel
comes now from New Orleans.
Regardez, monsieur.
The latest. Chic, n'est-ce pas?
You think so, huh?
- Uh, it looks a little...
- Ah!
Oui, monsieur.
You want the very latest.
Voila', monsieur.
This is the very, very latest.
Very, very latest?
I don't know...
Uh, I got to have a clean shirt.
Sarge is all wet.
There's nothing to worry about in there.
- Let's go, eh?
- What do you think?
- How about the girls?
- I don't know, I'm hungry.
- What do you mean hungry?
- I want to get a steak.
What are we doing out here talking
when we ought to be in there drinking?
- Let's go.
- He's right. Come on, let's go.
Hey! Hey, there's a table.
You guys grab it, I'll get the drinks.
Ah, oh. Beg your pardon.
We'd... We'd like a bottle of whiskey.
Uh, heh. Would you care to join the party?
I don't know.
Make that a bottle of champagne.
- How about it?
- Why not?
Hey, you know,
I've been underestimating you.
Ha!
Hey, fellas. I'd like you to meet, um...
Well, the girls. This is Gentry, Hale, Crain.
Anthony J. Dugan.
Whoo!
Well, what do you say to a meal
in the best restaurant in town?
Well, I guess so.
Excuse us, ladies.
Oh, Hale, Woodard wanted to see you. Eh?
- Anything else, gentlemen?
- I'd like a little more apple pie, please.
Me, too.
Sol, did I ever tell you I'd marry you?
No. I guess you never did.
- Do you know why?
- Why?
Figured it's 'cause I never asked you.
All right, I'm asking you now.
Will you marry me?
You're already married, Sol.
To yourself. To your own freedom.
Taking off whenever the mood
comes over you.
Like you did a month ago.
I guess that was kind of sudden.
But that's the way you are.
Crossing the mountains,
hunting the deer.
The whole wild country.
That listens right, but it ain't no more.
Things have changed. I...
I just want to change with 'em.
Sol...
ls it possible to be in love with two men?
Both at the same time?
Not after the dust settles.
Then do I have to give you
my answer right now?
The Captain?
We're having a little get-together
later on tonight.
And I'll tell him I welcome the competition.
Hey! Hey.
A little more whiskey, please.
Ah, yes, sir.
Heh! Whoo.
This one's on the house.
- Oh, no, you don't.
- Sorry, I'm broke.
Ah. One for the road, huh?
Pay up or get out.
Oh, yeah. One for the road, eh?
- You heard me.
- Oh. Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir.
All right. Whoo!
ls there anyone else thinks
they can throw out Anthony J. Dugan?
The prices were reasonable, considering.
More than reasonable, considering.
Throw 'em in the garbage pit.
Hold it.
Come in.
Captain.
I've been waiting for you.
You, uh,
care for a horn before the exercise?
Yeah, a big one.
Looks like I got some catching up to do
if it's gonna be a...
...fair battle.
I fight as fair as the next man.
But understand, Captain,
win or lose, I plan on marrying her.
Your privilege, not mine.
Yeah, that's the way I figure it.
Trouble is, you seem to have, uh,
confused the lady.
Quite unintentional.
You can tell her from me it's finished.
You owe it to her to talk for yourself.
That is, when you're able to.
To your health, Captain.
Oh, my back is a little bit sprung.
It was a good trick. I'll remember it.
I got a couple I wanna try on you.
I don't look forward to it.
My teeth still don't meet.
I'll try to adjust 'em.
And I'll try to return all favors.
Everybody fall out!
We got to get 0l' Martin help!
The enemy's got 'im.
Attention!
Oh, General.
General, you've arrived just
in the nick of time, if I may say so, sir.
I want this man put
on the wheel immediately
and he will remain there until he is sober.
- Yes, sir.
- Excuse me, sir?
Now you can take and cut me leg off right...
Right at the hip, sir.
You're not gonna let me get 0l' Martin help.
Right at the hip, sir.
- You're not gonna let me...
- Back to your barracks!
- Sergeant Gregory.
- Yes, sir?
What happened to Martin Hale?
Well, from what I gather,
last time they seen him,
he's heading down an alley
with three of Cushman's men on his tail.
Sol?
What say we postpone our plans and make
a reconnaissance into Mule City instead?
Agreed. It can serve as a warm-up.
If this reconnaissance is to be in force, sir,
I've got six volunteers
waiting at the horse barns.
What I mean is, I picked out
six of our best Indian fighters.
The whole "D" Company volunteered.
Your offer's accepted, Sergeant.
Sir?
It's a shame poor 0l' Dugan
has to miss out on all the fun.
Yes, it appears he's tied up
on special duty for the General.
Under the circumstances,
I think he can be relieved.
In five minutes, gentleman,
at the stable gate.
Gently, please.
Soldier?
If you don't mind, I'd like
the pleasure of finishing this chore.
You're dismissed.
Thanks, Sergeant.
- Hey, now, Sarge, if you ask me...
- Shut up, Dugan.
Yes, sir.
- Hey, who the hell are you?
- Shut up.
What are you gonna
do with that pig-sticker, man?
Listen. First I talk to Cushman,
-then we start to dance.
- Right, right.
There's three of 'em.
BARTENDERI Hey, soldier.
I figured you learned your lesson.
Evenin', Sol.
What can I do for you?
You turned your dogs loose
on three soldiers.
Two of 'em made it back.
I want to know what happened to the third.
He ain't here.
Where is he, Fred?
Sol, you betterjust stick to scoutin'.
Wet nursin' soldier boys
just ain't your style.
Where is he, Fred?
You better get out of here now
before you get hurt.
Whoops!
Don't be frightened, ladies.
It's just us folks from "D" Company.
That comes later.
What the hell's goin' on here?
Oh, I'm sorry, Captain.
I wasn't expecting you, sir.
On your feet, Crain! We can use you.
- Yes, sir.
- Excuse me, ma'am.
Get these people out of here!
Gentleman, name your poison.
The drinks are on Anthony J. Dugan.
- FeHas.
- Crain.
You missed all the fun.
That's a matter of opinion.
Fred...
Now, where d'y0u say you left the trooper?
I said they got him across the lot.
The old mission.
Captain, I think it's time
us pilgrims visited the mission.
Would you like another piece of pie?
No, thank you, ma'am.
You've done too much for me as it is.
We're glad to help.
And I sure appreciate it.
Now, I think I oughta
try and make it back to the fort.
Ma thinks you got a couple of broken ribs.
I hope so.
But I'm afraid maybe I don't.
My goodness, Sol.
Mrs. Poole. This is Captain Harrod.
- How do you do?
- Good evening, ma'am.
I heard that one of our soldiers
might be here...
- Martin Hale?
- That's right.
Well, looks like poor 0l' Martin
has already been rescued.
Well, Martin, how are you feeling?
A bit shaky, sir, but I'm in good hands.
Oh, I can see that.
This is Beth, sir.
How do you do?
Captain.
I think he's got two or three broken ribs.
I'll be pleased to have him recuperate here.
He's a nice boy.
And he says he doesn't curse or drink.
Oh, all the men in "D" Company
have that kind of character, ma'am.
I can see that.
Would you gentleman like a cup of coffee?
No, ma'am, thank you.
We should be heading back to the fort.
I'll send the regimental surgeon
around tomorrow, Martin.
- Yes, sir.
- You just stay in bed till he gets here.
Would you like me to rub your head, Martin?
I always like that when I'm feeling poorly.
Why, yes.
I think that's a good idea.
Well, when will we finish up our clam bake?
As much as I'd like another
go at you, Sol, I'm passing.
She deserves the best.
Good luck to both of you.
Well, Dugan.
While you were taking it nice and easy,
a section of your company
decided to avenge the trouble
that you and Hale got yourselves into.
The result was an assortment
of broken bones
and "D" Company being
confined to post until further notice.
I just thought I'd let you know.
Well, all I want to know is that you're gonna
out me off of this thing right now.
First, tell me that you've learned that
you're a member of the United States Army
and not some drunken bum
from a New York slum.
Answer me, trooper,
or you'll hang there
until you're buzzard meat.
Oh, Captain...
Didn't the General say I'd get off
of this thing the minute I'm sober?
He did.
Well...
It's a good thing for you
that flogging's been outlawed, trooper.
- Yes.
- Or you'd learn a little respect.
Vvfihthelash.
You're absolutely right, Lieutenant Hodges.
This man is the most drunken,
disorderly soldier in my company.
He should be whipped
from here to Kingdom Come.
Exactly.
And yet, I find his company
infinitely preferable
to that of an officer
whose evident lack of training
keeps him from saluting his superior.
I ever catch you drunk on this post again,
you'll think hanging
on this wheel was a pleasure!
Oh. Yes, sir.
- Would you like some more milk?
- No, thank you.
Did your mother make this?
No, I made it.
Best apple pie in all the civilized world.
Thank you.
You're going back
to the fort tomorrow, aren't you?
Yes, the doctor said I'm fit for duty.
Are you glad?
No.
I don't understand why you enlisted,
Martin, if you hate it so much.
Did you have trouble at home?
Uh...
I guess I just got tired
of things around the house.
Wanted to get away.
In this letter from my father,
he says that everything is fine.
He wants me to go home
and finish my education.
You see, my cousin got married.
Oh, I think that's... Your cousin?
Oh, was that your roommate in college?
You've guessed it.
But you've enlisted.
You have to stay until your time is up.
I know that much about the army.
There's what they call, uh,
"release by purchase."
It costs over $400.
But my father writes that he's already
sent the money to Washington
to start the procedure.
Well, I think that would
be wonderful for you.
I might be in school as long as two years.
Well, I wouldn't mind
waiting two years for you.
I'd rather not wait two minutes.
Lock and load!
Prepare to fire in volley.
Keep your butt down!
Ready!
Aim!
Fire!
Hey.
It's Lieutenant Hodges, Sarge.
He's trying to kill me!
Oh...
Cease fire!
All right, men, mark your targets!
Every man with a cartridge
found in his chamber, raise his rifle.
Pace your shots at four-second intervals,
you'll prevent most of that jamming.
I thought you were
an old squirrel shooter, Hale.
I'm sorry, Captain.
I guess my mind's not on what I'm doing.
Well, you damn well better put your mind
on what you're doing, mister.
Unless your notification
arrives in the next two days,
you're gonna have to move out
with the rest of us.
I know that, sir.
- Continue the practice, Lieutenant.
- Yes, sir.
All right, soldiers,
prepare to fire!
Lock and load!
Ready!
Aim!
Fire!
Good afternoon, Mrs. Woodard.
Demas.
- Fire!
- You been well?
Thank you.
You haven't been in town for some time.
No.
We had an incident
and the entire company's
been confined to the post.
The confinement was lifted three days ago.
With so little time left for training,
I haven't had time to get into town.
Of course.
And I'm no doubt
taking you from the training now.
Lou, I meant no unkindness.
I only wanted to be fair to you.
Avoiding my company.
Is that being fair?
What about Sol?
What about Sol?
He's offered you the ring plus security.
I believe I was there
when he made the proposal.
Do you think that I'm some
grasping widow,
out to catch herself
a name and some security?
No. No, I don't.
I happen to belong
to that strange breed of woman
who has to love the man
before she marries him.
Money and everything
else be damned, Demas.
Now, you're a very attractive man,
but also you tell the truth well.
And you lie badly.
You've got a good sense of humor
and don't lose it when you're drunk.
I even like your Irish temper.
But I don't know if...
...l love you.
No.
You're a fine woman, Lou.
I don't want to spoil things for you.
I don't want you to love me.
Notification still didn't come, huh, Martin?
I tell you, if those Washington brain busters
could figure out a way of doing something
in a month instead of a week,
-well, they sure as hell will.
- Shut up, Dugan...
- Well, they sure as hell will.
-...and keep working!
All right, men, that about does it.
Now, the Captain's ordered
a close formation drill so...
A drill?
A drill? Listen, don't we get to eat?
We gotta eat, you know?
What you think we are, a bunch of animals?
We drill while them bloomin'
officers have a farewell...
-...ball.
- All right, trooper,
take a shovel over to the stable
and grab hold and clean out
every pile, large and small.
And if you open your mouth again,
you'll spend the night in the hole.
You're a miserable, whining shirker
and I'm sick of the sight of you.
Now, move out!
All right!
Sooner we get finished,
the sooner we get started.
Mix it up.
Guide right!
Now, Sol worries
an awful lot about these things.
Headworth, Crain, Jeryl,
straighten that line.
On the double! Pick it up!
Company, right wheel.
Halt!
Straighten your alignment. Tighten it up!
Look how he drives them.
He doesn't know when to quit, General.
He's a cavalryman, Major Marcus.
Sergeant Gregory, your platoon
has more bends in it than the Snake River.
Lieutenant Cook,
where's the band?
Uh, I believe they're in their barracks, sir.
I want them here,
Lieutenant Cook, and quickly.
Yes, sir.
Company!
Left turn!
Ho!
Excuse me, gentlemen.
Hurry it up!
Keep it moving!
Turn right at the line!
Ho!
Company!
Halt!
You men have spent a lot of time
and a lot of hard work
during these past few weeks.
Unfortunately, very little of it shows!
An Indian squaw on a sweeney mule
could out-ride and out-fight the lot of you.
Up till now, it's been a cakewalk,
knowing your scouts
are safe and sound inside the fort.
Well, tomorrow, we leave the fort
and it's a simple matter of life and death.
So for the rest of the day...
What the hell is that for?
It's the rush, you damn fool.
All right, you troopers,
prepare to pass and review!
Men, forward.
Gallop!
You're "D" Company, Third Cavalry,
United States Army!
Now, by God, look like it!
company!
Forward!
Ho!
Ah, that's fine.
All on the left!
Ho!
Right!
That's quite a tribute for Harrod.
It's the only way McCabe
could get him off the parade ground.
Compliments of Captain Harrod, men.
Come on...
Come on, boy. Get some beer.
It'll help you forget your problems.
I just wish I could tell Beth.
Well, there's a way you
can sneak out through the officers' stables.
But if they catch you,
it means a court martial
and stretch at Leavenworth.
I'll take my chances.
Who's the guard officer?
I sure hate to tell you.
- Well, trooper.
- Oh, yeah. Yes, sir.
You keep this up
and you just might be finished by sun-up.
Well, uh, don't want the lieutenant figuring
I'm going to the officer's bar...
This lieutenant is on duty, trooper.
And besides, he wouldn't
want to miss the chance
of actually seeing you do some work.
Oh. Thank you, sir.
Hmm...
Thank you, Anthony.
Oh, it's a pleasure, Martin.
Oh, you're such a pretty girl.
I only wish I could see you
smile now and again.
I'm sorry.
The night before a campaign is always sad.
Good evening, Mrs. Poole.
Beth? It's me.
Goodness, Martin. You startled us.
Come inside. We'll make you a cup of tea.
No, thank you, ma'am. I... I can't.
I came to say goodbye.
The letter didn't come.
We're pulling out in the morning.
I wanted to say goodbye now.
Take care of yourself.
Beth...
Sometime, I don't know when,
but sometime, before we get too old,
will you jump off a cliff and marry me?
Yes.
Yes, lwill.
Well, that's fine.
That's just fine.
Well, when are you two
going to be married?
As soon as she'll have me, ma'am.
Sol, could I have a moment with you?
Would you excuse us, please?
Excuse me, ladies.
Don't tell me, Mrs. Woodard,
you're going to keep
the regiment's famous
chief of scouts waiting.
It's not as simple as it sounds,
Mrs. McCabe.
No, of course not.
When one has so many to choose from,
the decision is never very simple.
From what I hear,
no one is very safe from your charms.
Perhaps I should warn the General.
Perhaps you should.
I find General McCabe very attractive.
- Really?
- Besides, we have something in common.
We do?
It seems we are both famous
for our indiscretions.
Mrs. Woodard, my husband's
indiscretions are political.
Never physical.
There's only one problem with it...
You know something, Fred?
You talked me into it.
Thank you.
Well, me father
He said he could stand for no more
As he tussled and struggled
to get off the floor
So I up with me hand and I hit him again
And me just a chicken as big as a hen
When I was a chicken as big as a hen
I thanked me 0l' captain
for remembering me when
Psst. All clear, Dugan?
Oh. All clear, Marty.
All clear.
Here.
When I was a chicken as big as a hen
When they hit me 0l' mother
Singing, trooper?
When I was a chicken as big as a hen
- That is an Irish tune, is it not?
- Huh?
Oh, yes. lt is. It's, um...
- Well, singing keeps the spirits up, sir.
- Good.
When I was a chicken...
Well, well, well, well,
eighth wonder of the world.
- You've actually done some work.
- Oh, yes, sir.
Oh, yes, sir!
Um, change of heart.
Proper incentive, they call it.
- Thank you.
- Very good job, trooper.
- Very good job, indeed.
- Thank you, sir. Thank you.
You keep this up,
and you just might be finished.
Yes, sir. Excuse me, sir!
Excuse me, please.
Shouldn't take too long.
- Perhaps another four hours.
- Yes, thank you, sir.
Four more hours.
Lieutenant,
you'll regret the day you put your spurs
to Anthony J. Dugan.
And I regret the day
that Anthony J. Dugan got stable duty.
Fortunes of war, Marty.
Fortunes of war.
Listen, now, darling...
It's not that I'm going back
on my word, but...
You've decided to scout
for McCabe after all.
Well, I figured somebody's
got to keep old Iron Jaw
from riding into a jackpot.
And I swear to you,
this is the last time I'm coming back.
We're heading west to the new country.
We're gonna find that farm,
and we're going to settle down.
That wasn't a very good try, was it?
No. lt wasn't.
Doesn't the Captain appreciate
his good fortune?
The Captain is not interested.
Then there's something standing
in the way between him and good sense.
If... If it's me, Lou,
-you just say...
- No, no, it's not you, Sol.
It's Demas himself.
Mrs. Treadway invited me
to stay at the fort tonight.
Good night, Mr. Rogers.
Please take good care of yourself, Sol.
Attention, men!
- Column!
- Ho!
What's the shovel for, trooper?
Looking for more stables to clean?
Well, sir, it's for a grave, sir. Just in case.
I don't want the buzzards
chewing on me fine Lieutenant.
I want to see him put down nice and deep.
And I'm going to be the one who does it, sir.
Thank you, Dugan.
For those kind sentiments,
you may have the privilege
of digging all the officers' latrines
until this campaign is over.
What are you doing here, Sol?
I got to figurin' I ought to be
where I could do the most good.
Regiment!
- Forward!
- Forward!
Ho!
Column!
Don't wait for me, Lou. I won't be back.
Well, Marty.
My father said the war department
has finally sent the notification.
It should catch up to me by the 15th.
- Sol Rogers?
-l'm listening.
They want you over
at the headquarters tent.
On the double.
15th, Martin?
Slicin' the bacon mighty thin.
I keep wondering...
I'll run when the time comes.
You won't run
'cause you won't have the time.
You, General Hoffman
move down from the north.
General McCabe flows in from the south.
Hostiles will be trapped between you.
I'll time my march
to arrive at our meeting place
on the 16th at high noon.
General McCabe,
you time the arrival of your army
-to coincide with General Hoffman.
- Yes, sir.
Very well.
You both understand
the success of this operation
depends on that timing.
Now you two avoid all possibilities
of side engagements or any distractions
that could interfere with that end.
- Yes, sir.
- Fred?
Do not permit yourself to engage
before General Hoffman's troops
are up for support.
Yes, sir.
That will be all, gentleman.
- Fred. Good luck.
- Thank you, sir.
- Fred...
- Till the 16th, Jim.
Lieutenant Cook.
Lieutenant Cook.
As of now, each company commander
will draw rations for 15 days, no more.
Return all gatling guns,
extra wagons and musical instruments
to the fort. We move at dawn,
and I intend that we move fast.
Yes, sir.
Good night, General.
Regiment!
Halt!
Major, we camp on Cork River tonight.
That's another 16 miles.
I want fires lit before sunset
and the men bedded down before dark.
We've got a lot of territory
to cover tomorrow.
Yes, sir.
All right, men. On your feet.
Everybody UP!
Up and at 'em. Up and at 'em.
Rise and shine.
- Rise and shine.
- Rise and shine?
Must be 4:00 in the morning.
You guessed it. Come on!
Everybody up!
Dugan!
Rise and shine, men. Rise and shine.
Hvah!
Come on. Let's go, boys!
Hey, Frank. Wake up.
Stay in the saddle, son.
I'm sorry, Sarge.
General.
If we push these horses any harder,
the regiment will have to walk into battle.
That may be, Captain Harrod,
but I have an appointment to keep,
whether it's on horseback or foot.
Regiment!
- Halt!
- Halt!
We'll camp here tonight.
I want to see all company officers
as soon as possible.
Well, gentlemen.
At last we're within striking distance
of the hostiles.
How many do your scouts report
are ahead of us, Sol?
That many.
One always looks like five to a re-scout.
With luck,
we should surprise them tomorrow.
That'll be all, gentlemen.
General McCabe.
Somewhere, I got the impression
that you were to time your attack
to coincide with General Hoffman's
arrival on the 16th.
Your impression
appears to be wrong, Captain.
Appears to be?
Or is?
If General Hoffman does not arrive
until the 16th,
he will be a day late.
Because you've arranged to be a day early.
That remark constitutes insubordination.
I'll overlook it.
But in return,
I want no more doubting from you.
Not even so much as a look
until this fight is over.
At that time, Captain,
I will sign your request for transfer
to another post.
Will that be all, sir?
You're dismissed.
Hale, as of now, you are assigned
to the medical wagon.
You will act as orderly
for Dr. Lord until further notified.
I want to do my share of the fighting, sir.
That feeling is not expressed
by your desire to get out of the army.
No, sir.
Nevertheless, I request that you transfer...
Request denied.
Ah, there's nothin' sweeter
than a soft night wind.
Nothin'.
'Cept havin' a woman
of your own to lie aside you.
So I've heard.
You know, the heathen are hard to figure.
They may take your gold bars
and leave your scalp.
I know, Sol.
McCabe's my Jonah.
Don't ask me how I know, but I do.
You're a fool, Demas.
You aim to die,
you're goin' at it the wrong way.
Drink deep, ride hard,
take a hold of everything
that comes your way,
only double.
Don't look over the horizon.
That's the Lord's business.
General!
- Column!
- Column!
- Halt!
- Halt!
There's some of your Indians.
Go on, Sol.
I figure the one group
is reportin' to the village.
And the others are joinin' up with
a possible ambush party below the bluffs.
Captain Harrod!
Captain Harrod,
report to the General.
Captain Harrod.
Take your company and charge that
detachment of Indians riding to the north.
Yes, sir.
"D" Company!
Forward, ho!
Major Marcus!
General!
Take your squadron
and be prepared to reinforce "D" Company.
You are to hold off
any flanking action on our right.
If you run into serious trouble,
I'll come to your support.
Yes, sir.
Hvah!
- Right turn!
- Right turn!
- Ho!
- Ho!
Hyah!
Hyah!
Hyah!
Hyah!
Wait! Halt!
Prepare to dismount.
Dismount.
Horses to the rear.
Form skirmish lines. To the front!
Prepare to fire in volley!
Company, halt!
Dismount.
Form a skirmish line to the front.
Hurry up, men. Hurry!
Fire!
Fire!
Aah!
Aah!
Aah!
Lower.
Where's McCabe? He said he'd support us.
Where is he?
I've got them.
Like you said, the greatest concentration
of Indians this territory has ever seen.
General.
You don't intend to take
the whole battle on yourself?
Your job's finished, Sol.
I thank you for doing it right.
I'm not so sure I did, General.
Forward!
Ho!
Ho!
Aah!
Aah!
Aah!
Space your shots. Way to go, men.
Aah!
Steady, soldier.
"D" Company is falling on the flank.
We can't possibly hold.
- Prepare to fall back to the cliffs.
- Yes, sir!
Fall back to the cliffs!
Fall back!
We're falling back!
Prepare the company to fall back.
Clear ranks!
Stand fast and keep firin'!
Third ranks, fall back and get your horses!
Aah!
Where's Crain?
Still on the line!
Get his horse up there!
Prepare to mount!
Mount!
Let's go! Left about!
Ho!
Crain!
Hurry Crain!
Gentry!
Gentry, here!
Hvah!
What the hell are you doing here?
Just headin' for home.
Unfortunately, this noisy skirmish
got in my way.
Company, halt!
Dismount!
Ho!
Make firing positions!
Take care of this man.
Form a skirmish line
along the bluff!
Looks like McCabe deserted us.
Just like he did Harris at Wishbone Creek.
Entirely possible, Major.
Captain!
We're out of ammunition!
Dugan! Ammunition!
A little water.
Even one lousy canteen!
Ah, Martin, in this fouled-up army,
you're lucky if you get...
Dugan! Hurry up with that ammo!
Aah!
Martin?
I guess I'm all right.
lt just got me in the canteen.
Martin, you scare me like that again
and I'll kick your brains in.
Please, some water.
- There.
-I'll get some.
Water.
Water. Water.
Load it up,son.
Keep 'em busy.
Yes, sir.
Now what are you doing?
I'm gonna get me a drink of clean water.
If I could just find some dirty whiskey
to go with it.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
Aah!
Aah!
Hey!
Aah!
Sol?
Oh, God in heaven.
If I could only see the sun
just one more time.
Captain Harrod.
Take a look.
They've also abandoned
their positions below the east bluffs.
Well, I'll be damned.
McCabe must've accomplished his mission.
It looks that way.
Take your company and try to contact him.
Probably move North
to meet General Hoffman.
Hey, Captain.
You figure 0l' Lieutenant Hodges
will let me off that latrine detail,
all things considered?
I guess Jerry's up there.
I'll see if he's buried, sir.
Never mind.
There'll be plenty of others to do that.
General Hoffman's column.
Arriving as scheduled.
Sergeant, have the men
mount up and fall in.
Yes, sir. Company!
Mount up! Form a line!
Come on, now! Fall in!
Dugan!
You heard the Sergeant, mount up!
I promised the Lieutenant
I'd bury him personally.
And I aim to do just that!
With your permission, sir.
Permission granted.
Thank you, sir.
The men are formed, Captain.
Well, that's one way
to get written up in the paper.
Only, I wonder how many of 'em
weren't afraid
to take a hold of everything
that came their way
while they could still see the sun.
Company!
By twos!
Forward, ho!