"This is Wyoming in 1897. It's a land of great, open spaces. A land that gives a man plenty of elbow room. Somebody once said that in Wyoming, you could look farther, and see less than any place in the world. Whoever said that couldn't have seen Wyoming as I have. To look at the mountains, and the valleys and the plains, you'd think nothing ever changes out here. Maybe that's true about the land. But it's not true about the people. They change. At least most of them. They've settled down. Twenty years ago, it was a different breed of men that came west. They were looking for adventure and excitement. There was plenty of adventure to go around, and lots of excitement! At first it was the Indians who provided the adventure. And for those who lived to tell about it, there was no question about it's being exciting. It was a time when life was cheap, and man lived for today. The odds were against his being around tomorrow, and he knew it. What's more, he liked it that way. This breed of man loved his life. It was everything he wanted. It was adventure, and excitement, and fun. When he worked hard, he fought hard, and he sure played hard. Then suddenly, one day his world was gone. The prairies and the mountains were the same. The cattle and the horses were the same. The west had grown up. It had changed. But this breed of man was still there. Still looking for the fun and headlong adventure.
Played by James Drury
The Virginian · 50 quotes
2nd most-quoted character in The Virginian: in 20 of its 50 quotes
Most scenes with: Trampas (8)
Lines by The Virginian 8
"Before she testifies there's something I'd like to say. I don't know what you may have heard here today, what you have already in your minds, but I can tell you this. I was there when Dr. O'Neill made the decision to operate on Mrs. Anderson. She knew the risk she was taking, and she took it. The easy way would have been to let her patient die in agony. And now I want to ask you a question. Would this hearing ever had been held if Pat O'Neill weren't a woman? Doc Spalding has lost patients, every doctor has. So, just lets all of us be sure exactly what it is that's on trial here today. Is it the facts, or our prejudices?"
"He wants to be a hero in a uniform, so he had to go join up! He's a fool! He's about as much cut out to be a soldier as -- If you want to be a soldier you have to learn to take orders. Can you imagine Trampas taking orders from anybody? I mean anybody!"
"I didn't need Trampas to point out the sorry shape we were in, but being Trampas he pointed it out anyhow..."
"Anyone will tell you Trampas is as trustworthy as they come. Take my word for it.
"And Trampas, this is a business trip."
"She’s just like any other woman - she thinks with her heart instead of her head."
"The dead have to be buried...There’s some things you make time for..."
Scenes with The Virginian 12
[The Virginian, Steve and Trampas meet Betsy out riding.]
Yes you are.
I'm what?.
Well I've been thinking about this all day, and trying to make up my mind. Yep, you're pretty!
Um... Thank you, Betsy.
Well what about me?
Uh... Funny.
VirginianWhat about me, Betsy?
I'm going to marry you.
VirginianYes ma'am.
[Trampas and The Virginian are discussing Judge Garth's new four sided clock for the town square.]
I wonder what that cost?
VirginianThe Judge didn't say.
Well if he's going to throw his money around, he could start by raising my wages.
VirginianWell at least this way he can see what he's getting for his money!
Aw, Saturday's a bad day to put a thing like that up.
VirginianHow come?
Well, I was just thinking, it's goin' to make a mighty fine target to some cowhand with a bellyful of whiskey.
VirginianI wouldn't do it, Trampas.
Well, I wasn't thinking of me.
VirginianI was.
[The Virginian is telling Molly Wood to leave Trampas and Steve alone about joining the rough riders.]
VirginianMolly, don't try it with me!
But you'd look awful handsome in uniform!
VirginianI'll bet. And don't put any more wild ideas in their heads.
Is it such a wild idea?
VirginianIt is. As a matter of fact, in those heads, any idea at all is a complete disaster.
[To Trampas about the Virginian] He still workin' you to death?
Tell him about it.
VirginianThe only way he'll ever die from overwork is running away from it.
That an absolute true statement.
The VirginianI once knew a man who could barely write his own name, but he could talk to the birds, he could tell where a mountain cat walked across a bed of pine needles, he could tell his age by the trees, the weather by his bones...after he got old that is. I always considered him to be a poet.
Who was he?"
The VirginianMy father.
[The Virginian is buying a horse from a man.]
In case you want to know, I call him Lightning.
VirginianMister, the first time I laid my eyes on you, I knew you had a sense of humor.
For another 20 bucks I'll throw in this fine saddle!
VirginianNo, thanks! I wouldn't want to rob you.
[A girl makes her horse rear in an unsuccessful attempt to appear helpless to the Virginian. While she rides the horse, he calmly re-ties his rope, and waits for her to come back.]
VirginianGood runner, isn't he?
Do you realize I could've been killed?
VirginianDo you realize I'm not quite as big a greenhorn as you thought I was?
I'll try to keep it in mind.
VirginianGood.
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