Paladin, Chapter 19

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Later that night, PALADIN walks the streets of Windfall.

INT. STABLE - NIGHT

Finally, PALADIN enters stable to check on his horse.  Its seems well cared for.  The stable owner, an old man named SMITTY, is the only person there.  PALADIN notices another horse, well lathered, must have recently arrived in the stable.  

PALADIN: SMITTY, who brought this horse here?

SMITTY: POLLYANNA, BIG DAN's wife.  Bout ten minutes ago.  She must a bin in a hurry, I figer.  

PALADIN: Did you see where she went?

SMITTY: No.  I was too busy with her horse.  But, sometimes she takes a room at the hotel, I hear.  Pretty strange for a missus, if ya ask me.

PALADIN: Thanks.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

PALADIN leaves stable and heads to hotel.  Half-way there he see a man walking in the dark also walking towards hotel.  PALADIN rushes to cut him off.  It is CHARLES.

PALADIN: Good evening, CHARLES

CHARLES: (surprised) What?

PALADIN: Going my way?

CHARLES: Where?

PALADIN: The hotel.

CHARLES: Ah, no, just out for a walk.

PALADIN steps in front of CHARLES, preventing him from proceeding to the hotel.

PALADIN: I think we should have a talk.

CHARLES: Can this wait till tomorrow?

PALADIN: No.  We need to talk now.

CHARLES: What's this about that's so important?

PALADIN: Your wife.

CHARLES: My wife?  My wife is no concern of yours.

PALADIN: Well, sir, the way you're acting, she is no concern of yours either.  So, somebody has to be concerned.  And I am taking on that responsibility.

CHARLES: What are you talking about?

PALADIN: Sir, I know exactly where you are heading and who is waiting for you there.  And such a meeting is not in the best interest of Grace.  

CHARLES: I still don't know what you're talking about.  And you, sir, are not in charge of what is in the best interest of my wife.

PALADIN: I strongly suggest you turn around and go back home.

CHARLES: I'm sure I will in good time.  I don't need you to tell me this.  Am I violating any law at present?

PALADIN: No law of man, but perhaps a law of ethics and God.

CHARLES tries to push past PALADIN, but fails because of the impairment of his right arm.

CHARLES: You have me at a disadvantage, sir.  I'm asking you as a gentleman to let me pass.

PALADIN: If I let you pass, will you act as a gentleman and go home?

CHARLES: I'll do as you ask, but next time we meet, I'll be better prepared to confront you, sir.  

PALADIN:  As will I.

CHARLES retreats to his home.  PALADIN waits for some time to make sure CHARLES does go home and then PALADIN continues to the hotel. 

Dr. Richard R. Beeman

Please note the following from Dr. Richard R. Beeman, John Welsh Centennial Professor of History Emeritus, Department of History, University of Pennsylvania: 

“There is no question but that the thirteen American colonies, when they declared their independence (July 4, 1776), considered themselves "united States" in that common cause, but NOT The United States.    

And the Articles of Confederation reinforced that notion of thirteen independent and sovereign states--making it clear that the states, not the "central government," was supreme.  

Indeed, the Articles of Confederation are properly considered more of a "treaty" among those sovereign states than America's first Constitution.    

The drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution was an important step in creating the United States, but, in fact, if you look in the public press during the period between 1789 and 1865, most of the references to the central government are spelled "united States," not "United States."  

It is only after the Civil War, when the notion of a perpetual union is enforced by force of arms, that the American nation is regularly referred to as the "United States.””

Bay of Pigs

 At midnight on April 17, 1961 (65 years ago), the two LCIs (Landing Craft Infantry) each with a CIA operations officer and an Underwater Demolition Team of five frogmen entered the Bay of Pigs, Cuba. They headed an invasion force of four transport ships carrying about 1,400 Cuban exile ground troops plus M41 tanks and other vehicles in the landing craft.

I once heard a history professor say that a revolution always leads to a counter-revolution.  Bay of Pigs was the counter-revolution to the one led by Fidel Castro.    

The unloading of troops at night was delayed because of engine failures and boats damaged by unseen coral reefs.  As the frogmen came in, they were shocked to discover that Red Beach was lit with floodlights, which led to the location of the landing being hastily changed.  

As the frogmen landed, a firefight broke out when a Jeep carrying Cuban Militia happened by.  The few militias in the area succeeded in warning Cuban Armed Forces via radio soon after the first landing, before the invaders overcame their token resistance.  

Fidel Castro was awakened at about 03:15 to be informed of the landings, which led him to put all militia units in the area on the highest state of alert and to order airstrikes.  Castro departed personally to lead his forces into battle against the invaders.

The invasion failed.

Sixty-seven Cuban exiles were killed in action. Additionally, 10 more were executed by firing squad; 10 lost their lives on the boat Celia trying to escape; nine died in a sealed truck container on the way to Havana; four died by accident; two in prison; and four American aviators also died, for a total of 106 deaths.

The final toll for Cuban armed forces during the conflict was 176 killed in action.  This figure includes only the Cuban Army and it is estimated that about 2,000 militiamen were killed or wounded during the fighting.  Other Cuban forces casualties were between 500 and 4,000.  The airfield attacks on April 15 left 7 Cubans dead and 53 wounded.

On December 21, 1962, Castro and James B. Donovan, a U.S. lawyer aided by Milan C. Miskovsky, a CIA legal officer, signed an agreement to exchange 1,113 prisoners for US$53 million in food and medicine, sourced from private donations and from companies expecting tax concessions. 

On December 24, 1962, some prisoners were flown to Miami, others following on by ship, plus about 1,000 family members also allowed to leave Cuba. 

On December 29, 1962, President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline (speaking Spanish) attended a "welcome back" ceremony at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida for the Cuban veterans of the Bay of Pigs invasion returning from Cuba.

Mother's Day

 Today is Mother's Day.  Unfortunately, my mother, Margaret Lasky, died 31 years ago in January 1995 at the age of 88.

She lived most of her life during a period when it was not common to express your emotions.  But, I knew she loved me.  Actions speak louder than words.

I remember the freshly squeezed orange juice sitting on the table next to my bed.

I remember the slice of bread with jelly handed to me as I left home on my way to school in the morning.

I remember the bowl of sliced apples she would bring me while I sat and watched a sporting event by myself in our family den.

I remember her insisting I practice driving her car when I got home from school prior to my road test.  It paid off, especially parallel parking.

In her old age, my mother told me she read an article in a magazine which said it was important to tell your loved ones you loved them.  So she started telling me she loved me.  I knew she did but it was nice to hear the words come out of her mouth.

Once, when I was still living at home, my mother and I spent many happy hours together converting a large quantity of fresh strawberries into frozen ones we would enjoy the following winter.  That is my favorite memory of her.  

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  

  

The Tall T

The Tall T is a 1957 American Western film directed by Budd Boetticher and starring Randolph Scott, Richard Boone, and Maureen O'Sullivan.  It was adapted from the 1955 short story "The Captives" by Elmore Leonard, which I recently read.

Brennan (Scott), without a horse, manages to get a lift from a stagecoach driver, who has been hired specially to transport the newlyweds Willard and Doretta Mims (O'Sullivan). Doretta is a plain woman, but the daughter of a rich copper mine owner. 

When they stop at the way-station, they are mistaken for the regular stage by three outlaws, led by Frank Usher (Boone), who have already killed the station manager and his son. 

Terrified of sharing the same fate, Willard suggests to the outlaws that ransoming his wife would be far more profitable than robbing the stage. Frank likes the idea. He also immediately recognizes, and is disgusted by, the groom's clear lack of devotion to his bride.

While waiting for the ransom to arrive, Brennan and Doretta plot to stay alive while confronting their three kidnappers.

I remember as a 12 year-old feeling some sympathy for Usher (a likable villain?), despite him being sinister (put murdered victims in a well).  He some how made a connection with me.  I hoped for his survival.

While the film was being made, negotiations were ongoing for the creation of a new TV series called Have Gun Will Travel.  Scott was the first choice to portray Paladin, but he was too old (59 years-old) and too rich to commit to the project.  Instead, he recommended Boone (40 years-old).  The rest, as they say, is history. 

Paladin, Chapter 18

 INT. SALOON - NIGHT

Saloon is crowded and noisy with customers.  PALADIN enters and approaches the bar.  Bartender awaits his order.

PALADIN: Beer, please.

Bartender retrieves and delivers to PALADIN.

PALADIN: Thanks.

PALADIN starts drinking his beer.  BIG DAN and BILLY MORTON enter the saloon, noticing PALADIN at bar.  They have a short, private chat. 

BILLY MORTON then proceeds to walk to bar and deliberately bumps into PALADIN causing PALADIN to slightly spill his beer.  

BILLY MORTON (to bartender): Two beers.

PALADIN (to BILLY MORTON): Are you looking for an introduction?

BILLY MORTON (to PALADIN) : Are you talkin' to me?

PALADIN: I believe I am.

BILLY MORTON: Why don't you go fuck yourself.

The saloon becomes quiet as danger looms.  The patrons at the bar scatter.

PALADIN: Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?

BILLY MORTON: What?  You speakin English?

PALADIN: I believe I am.

PALADIN notices BIG DAN in the saloon.

PALADIN: Is that your boss over there?  Did he ask you to do this?

BILLY MORTON: Nobody tells me what to do.  I'm my own boss.

PALADIN: Glad to know.

BILLY MORTON: So, why don't you shut up and get outta my sight.

PALADIN: Not as long as I'm drinking my beer.

BILLY MORTON reaches for PALADIN's beer and spills it on the bar.

BILLY MORTON: I guess you're done with your beer.

PALADIN: That was rude.

BILLY MORTON takes a step away from the bar and stands facing PALADIN in a threatening posture, ready to draw his gun.

BILLY MORTON: You think I'm rude.  Well, do something about it, Deputy.

PALADIN: You're making a big mistake.  You be BILLY MORTON?

BILLY MORTON: What's that to ya?

PALADIN: SHERIFF warned me about you.  

BILLY MORTON: Yeah!

PALADIN: Too bad he didn't warn you about me.

BILLY MORTON: I know about you...fancy gunfighter from San Francisco.  Well, I don't give a shit.

PALADIN: If I were you, I would think long and hard about what I am about to do.  Your life hangs in the balance.  Don't throw it away.  It's too precious.

BILLY MORTON: Well, you aint me.

PALADIN: Don't...

BILLY MORTON draws his gun, but not as fast as PALADIN who shoots him dead.  PALADIN kneels down to examine the body.  

PALADIN: Somebody get the undertaker.

Nobody moves.

PALADIN (shouting): Now!

A couple of witnesses leave the saloon.  BIG DAN approaches PALADIN who is now standing mournfully.  

BIG DAN: Too bad!  He was foolish.

PALADIN: Did you have anything to do with this?

BIG DAN: What?  

PALADIN: The two of you came in together.  He worked for you.  He seemed to be itching for a fight.  Why?

BIG DAN: Beats me.  Can I buy you a drink?

PALADIN: You can't buy me a drink, but if you want to talk, we can.  What's on your mind?

BIG DAN: Let's sit down.

They sit at a nearby table.

BIG DAN: I hear you're a man for hire.

PALADIN: Depends on what I'm being hired for and by whom.

BIG DAN: I was very impressed tonight.  What is your fee?

PALADIN: To do what?

BIG DAN: To remove a rival of mine.  

PALADIN: And who would that be?

BIG DAN: Normally, I take care of my own business.  Nothing stands in my way.  But, what I'm talkin about is different.  When I married POLLYANNA, I thought I could control her, just like everything else.  But, she's not like anything else.

PALADIN: I'm beginning to understand your problem with POLLYANNA.

BIG DAN: When CHARLES first came to Windfall, I hardly gave him a second thought.  Not a real man, if you know what I mean.  But, for some unknown reason, POLLYANNA was attracted to him.  I don't understand.  Do you?

PALADIN: Women are not like men, BIG DAN.  They think differently.  We judge women in a different way than women judge men.  Don't try to understand them.  Just accept it.  And how am I supposed to help you...with your rival?

BIG DAN: Goad him into a fight and then kill him...just like tonight.  It should be easy.

PALADIN: Is that what you did with BILLY MORTON,  goad him into pulling his gun on me?

BIG DAN: And why would I do that?

PALADIN: As a test?

BIG DAN: Not at all.  He was one of my best men on the ranch.  He'll be missed.

PALADIN: I'm sure he will.

BIG DAN: Well, I'll pay twice your usual fee.

PALADIN: I will not do what you ask, but I will try to help you win back your wife's affections, if you choose that way.

BIG DAN: Three times your usual fee.  

The undertaker arrives.  

PALADIN: I have work to do.  Let me know if you're interested in my offer.  Good night.

Eliot Ness

Eliot Ness was an American federal agent known for his efforts to bring down the gangster Al Capone while enforcing Prohibition in Chicago in the 1930s. He was leader of a team of law enforcement agents nicknamed The Untouchables, handpicked for their incorruptibility.

Eliot Ness was born on April 19, 1903 (123 years ago), in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. His parents, both Norwegian immigrants, operated a bakery. 

Ness attended Christian Fenger High School in Chicago. He was educated at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1925 with a degree in political science and business administration.

Ness began his career as an investigator for the Retail Credit Company of Atlanta assigned to the Chicago territory, where he conducted background investigations for the purpose of credit information. 

In March 1930, attorney Frank J. Loesch of the Chicago Crime Commission asked President Herbert Hoover to take down Al Capone. Agents of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, working under Elmer Irey and Special Agent Frank J. Wilson of the Intelligence Unit, were already investigating Capone and his associates for income tax evasion.

In late 1930, Attorney General William D. Mitchell, seeking a faster end to the case, implemented a plan devised by President Hoover for sending a small team of Prohibition agents to target the illegal breweries and supply routes of Capone while gathering evidence of conspiracy to violate the National Prohibition Act. 

U.S. attorney George E.Q. Johnson, the Chicago prosecutor directly in charge of both the Prohibition and income tax investigations of Capone, chose the 27-year-old Ness (now assigned to the Justice Department) to lead this small squad.

With corruption of Chicago's law enforcement agents endemic, Ness went through the records of all Prohibition agents to create a reliable team (initially of six, eventually growing to about ten) later known as "The Untouchables." 

Raids against illegal stills and breweries began in March 1931. Within six months, Ness' agents had destroyed bootlegging operations worth an estimated $500,000 (almost $9.9 million in 2022) and representing an additional $2 million ($39.5 million in 2022) in lost income for Capone.

Failed attempts by members of the Chicago Outfit to bribe or intimidate Ness and his agents inspired Charles Schwarz of the Chicago Daily News to begin calling them "untouchables". George Johnson adopted the nickname and promoted it to the press, establishing it as the squad's unofficial title.

^{On October 17, 1931, Capone was convicted on three counts of income tax evasion.  He was sentenced to eleven years in prison (where he died) and began his sentence in 1932.} 

^{Beginning in 1959 there was a TV series called The Untouchables, which starred Robert Stack as Ness and was narrated by Walter Winchell.  In 1987 there was a film called The Untouchables, directed by Brian De Palma, which starred Kevin Costner as Ness, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro as Al Capone.  As a result, Eliot Ness has become an American folk hero.}

Ness died of a heart attack at his home in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, on May 16, 1957. He was 54 years of age.