Vonetta McGee: Pauline Middleton

The Great Silence

Pauline Middleton

[English subtitled version]
Pauline Middleton: Once, my husband told me of this man. He avenges our wrongs. And the bounty killers sure do tremble when he appears. They call him "Silence." Because wherever he goes, the silence of death follows.

[English subtitled version]
Sheriff Gideon Burnett: [to Silenzio] You ain't by some chance one of them no-good bounty hunters, are ya?
[Silenzio doesn't respond]
Sheriff Gideon Burnett: I asked you a question, so answer. I'm a sheriff. Well? Where you come from? How long you intend to stay?
[the Sheriff annoyed that Silenzio hasn't answered]
Sheriff Gideon Burnett: If you think you're bein' smart, just watch yourself. Now then, stranger, let's have it...
[the Sheriff grabs Silenzio by the arm]
Pauline Middleton: He can't answer, sheriff. He's a mute.
Sheriff Gideon Burnett: [turns to Silenzio, embarrassed] Well... I'll be. At least you coulda told me. I mean... you coulda let me know, ya know what I mean?

[English subtitled version]
Henry Pollicut: Pauline. A pleasure to see you. What can I do for you? Is there something you wanna buy?
Pauline Middleton: I didn't come to buy. I came to sell.
Henry Pollicut: And what are you sellin'?
Pauline Middleton: Our house. It cost at least five thousand dollars. I'll give it to you for a thousand... 'cause you like cheap things.

[English subtitled version]
Pauline Middleton: [to Silenzio] My husband was a good man. They forced him to steal, to give me a decent life. Because... Pollicut could put a price on his head. He thought if I became his mistress... well, he thought wrong.

[English subtitled version]
[Silenzio has been waiting for Pauline]
Pauline Middleton: There wasn't time! I'm sorry. I tried... but that Loco had captured 'em. He'd taken them all as hostages to the saloon. He wants to shoot it out with you, just you and him. He said to tell you... if you don't, he'll kill every one of them!
[Silenzio prepares to leave]
Pauline Middleton: But... you can't, Silence! You're hurt real bad. Besides - I'm certain it's a trap. You can't trust him. Don't get involved. You're just one man. Please don't go. Let's run for it. There must be some place we can go. They're gonna kill 'em either way, they're all gonna die! I don't want you dead. I love you.
[Silenzio walks out of the barn]

[English subtitled version]
[earlier, Pauline tried to sell her house to Pollicut, only for him to try and forcefully seduce her]
Pauline Middleton: [to Silenzio] I didn't get the money... but I still want my revenge. I don't want you to work for nothing. There is one who'd give me the money, right away... if I wanted to... do what he wants. Well... what he wants in exchange is too high a price for me to pay... but I'm willing to pay you. Now, before, after, whenever.
[Silenzio leaves for the saloon]

[English subtitled version]
Pauline Middleton: [pouring Silenzio a drink] I sent for you 'cause I want you to kill a man. How much do you want for him?
Pauline Middleton: [Silenzio drinks, but doesn't answer. He pours another drink] You could at least answer me! Well? Can't you talk?
Pauline Middleton: [Silenzio pauses, then pulls back his scarf, revealing a long scar] Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't know. Please excuse me.

[English subtitled version]
Henry Pollicut: [with a wad of cash in hand] May I ask what you need this for? It's a pretty good sum.
Pauline Middleton: No.
Henry Pollicut: I shouldn't have brought it up. Just the same... is this to pay a man for a certain crime?
Pauline Middleton: That's my business. Just tell me "yes" or "no"? Are you interested in my offer?
Henry Pollicut: Not really. You know you shouldn't crawl for money like this. I wouldn't take advantage of your situation for a thousand dollars. I want you to have it...
[He hands the money to Pauline and forcefully kisses her. She pushes him off her, spits at him and discards the money]
Pauline Middleton: I wish it were poison!

Pauline Middleton: [to Silence] I didn't get the money. But I still want my revenge. I don't want you to work for nothing. There is one who'd give me the money, right away. If I wanted to - do what he wants. Well, what he wants in exchange is too high a price for me to pay. But I'm will to pay you. Now, before. After, whenever.