The Fighting Kentuckian

'This picture is based on

a little-known episode in American history.

'After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo,

'his officers and their families

were exiled from France

'as punishment for devotedly following

an adored leader.

'Bewildered, they turned to the one country

'they thought

would sympathize with their plight.

'And the United States welcomed them.

'By Act of Congress, they were granted

four townships in the territory of Alabama,

'and in 1818 a brave band,

once the most influential in France,

'began to carve a home

out of the American wilderness,

'clinging to their rich uniforms

as a last reminder of their former glory.

'The story begins a year later, in Mobile,

'200 miles downriver

from the French settlement at Demopolis.'

- Colonel Geraud.

- Mademoiselle?

You could dismount and walk with me

to see what's in the shops.

The shops, mademoiselle,

as you call them, are mostly taverns.

Besides, Blake will be out any moment now.

Oh, but just sitting here. And the sun...

Perhaps an ice or maybe a cool drink.

- Do you think we could find one?

- I'm sure I could find one.

But please do not leave the carriage.

- There's a militia regiment in town...

- All right, Colonel Geraud.

I promise I shall not leave the carriage.

- Promise?

- Mm-hm.

Only 800 miles more to go

Only 800 miles more to go

More to go

And if we can just get lucky

We will wind up in Kentucky...

- All right, Kentucky. Here we go.

- 800 miles more to go

Oh, we fought with the 7th over creeks

And we ain't had a bridge...

2nd Kentucky, outside. On the double.

We will make it to Kentucky

- Only 800 miles more to go...

- Goodbye, honey.

You didn't kiss me!

Lady, he's busy.

2nd Kentucky, outside.

- Is that you, Colonel Geraud?

- No.

If you'll just let on

like we're old friends.

- 2nd Kentucky?

- Yes, ma'am.

Breen's the name. John Breen.

- Deserting?

- No, ma'am.

They're leaving. I'm staying.

Only 800 miles more to go

More to go

And if we can just get lucky

We will wind up in Kentucky

Only 800 miles more to go

Thank you, ma'am.

Uh-oh. It's Willie Paine.

Come on!

He's sure to recognize me.

Mind if we drive around the square?

Buck, take charge of these mules.

Hank, you and Beau's coming with me.

This has been

right neighborly of you, ma'am.

Sorry I can't wait to pay my respects

to your menfolks.

Uh-oh.

Sorry.

You fellas better catch the regiment.

This may go on all day.

Ma'am, this is

downright inconvenient for you.

Uh-oh.

Willie again.

Hyah!

Thank you, ma'am.

You've been mighty patient.

I sure appreciate your kindness

to a total stranger.

Uh-oh.

- I was afraid he wouldn't make it.

- Huh?

I said I was afraid he wouldn't make it.

Now, if we were to head that way,

at a nice spanking trot,

I'm sure Willie couldn't keep up.

Yes, ma'am.

Hyah!

Rest the team before we turn back.

Ma'am, you're uncommon gracious.

I'd sure admire to meet you properly.

May I come a-calling?

- I'm leaving Mobile tomorrow.

- Oh. That's bad.

Well, there's tonight.

I shall be busy getting ready for tomorrow.

That narrows it down to this afternoon.

- Short time to make a lasting impression.

- You will try though, won't you?

- What's that, ma'am?

- I say you will try, won't you?

After all the trouble you and your friend

Willie took to get me out here,

surely you'll compliment me with an effort?

You're downright discouraging

to romance, ma'am.

Couldn't you act just a little frightened

to sort of save my pride?

Now, would you and your pride

please take me back to Mobile?

- You look beautiful with your eyes shining.

- Monsieur John Breen, please...

You're also inclined to talk too much.

- What is it?

- Somebody in a hurry.

- Do you know 'em?

- The man in the lead is Blake Randolph.

The one in uniform

is Colonel Georges Geraud.

One of the others is Mr. George Hayden.

- But the fourth I don't recognize.

- I do. It's the sheriff.

Are the rest of 'em friends of yours?

Yes. This is Mr. Randolph's carriage.

You see, I...

- You're not Mrs. Randolph?

- No, no...

Don't bother. Nothing else matters.

There he is, Sheriff. You take my horse,

I'll go back in the carriage.

- Step down, please.

- You're under arrest, soldier.

I thought he was sheriff.

- Blake, it's all my fault.

- Don't trouble yourself, mademoiselle.

Your concern is natural but needless. The

charge has nothing to do with the carriage.

- Then what am I being arrested for?

- Assault.

- Who did I assault?

- Did you hit a man at the tavern bar?

- Oh, that.

- Yep, that.

It was a political argument. A fellow said

Henry Clay was a scoundrel, so I hit him.

We had a drink afterwards.

You're wasting your time, Sheriff.

Take him away.

Wait a minute, you fellas can't be serious.

Things like that happen every day

in Kentucky.

I don't doubt it.

Now, if you'll be good enough to step down.

Did my opponent sign a complaint?

- Well, no.

- But he will.

Oh.

Mr. Randolph, I'm prepared to apologize

for taking your carriage.

I heard yesterday that

you control the river.

Now I learn that you control

most everything else hereabouts.

We'll discuss that later.

Now, if you wouldn't mind...

Oh, we've marched

and skedaddled back and forth

And we've been everywhere in the north

So we thought we'd quit a-roving

and we started home-sweet-homing

Oh, there's 800 miles more to go

Only 800 miles more to go

More to go

Only 800 miles more to go

More to go

And if we can just get lucky

We will wind up in Kentucky

Only 800 miles more to go

Kentucky...

Halt!

Breen! We've been looking for you.

- Trouble?

- No, sir.

This lady and these gentlemen

brought me to wait for you.

- May I present Captain Carroll?

- Ma'am.

- Colonel Geraud, Captain Carroll.

- Colonel.

- This is the sheriff of Mobile.

- Sheriff.

And this is Mr., uh... Hayden, isn't it?

And this, sir, is Mr. Randolph.

- Mr. Blake Randolph?

- Yes, sir.

- Who wouldn't let us use the riverboat?

- Yes, sir.

Mm-hm. I see.

Well, fall in when you're finished.

Mademoiselle, forgive me.

Colonel Geraud, my respects, sir.

Sheriff, sorry.

And you, sir, if you ever get up

Kentucky way, drop in and see us.

Forward, hey!

Oh, we thought we were gonna go by boat

And we went to Mobile to have a talk

But the man that owns the water

said he thought we hadn't oughta

So it looks like a long, long walk

Only 800 miles more to go

More to go

Only 800 miles more to go

More to go...

Monsieur Blake,

that Breen business was actually my fault.

- You mean you knew him?

- As one soldier to another.

Colonel Geraud is very gallant

in trying to relieve me of embarrassment.

The truth is I was bored

and acted very foolishly.

- Forgive me.

- Perhaps the fault is mine.

I shouldn't have kept you waiting for so long.

Let's forget that it happened.

Howdy, everybody.

Glad to see you back home, Miss Fleurette.

Folks, General De Marchand has asked me

to take charge of this soire.

That's French.

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