MovieChat Forums > Stagecoach (1939) Discussion > Could someone please explain this scene?

Could someone please explain this scene?

posted 20 years ago by tellafriend
7 replies | jump to latest

When the stagecoach was being chased by indians and things looked grim Hatfield took out his revolver and opened the cylinder revealing he only had one bullet left. He then rolls the cylinder back two empty slots and closes the gun. The next shot we see the gun aimed toward Lucy Mallory like Hatfield is about to shoot her.

Could someone explain to me what his intentions were and why he rolled the chamber back and then pointed the gun at Lucy?

[–] pzanardo 20 years ago

Hatfield intended to avoid Lucy to be caught alive by the Apaches. Hatfield is a gentleman of the 19th century. He cannot even conceive the idea that Lucy be forced to sleep with a savage. Death is a much better destiny for her, that's Hatfield's code. Most likely, Lucy would totally agree with him (we are in the 19th century, never forget it). Ciao from Italy
Paolo

[–] Crabhain 20 years ago

"Lucy be forced to sleep with a savage" is a very polite way of saying be raped by an Apache war party, only a couple of days after having a baby. Likely the Apaches would have no use for a baby, she might have to watch it be murdered before her turn came (at least in the context of the movie, whether historically accurate or not). For a 19th century Southerner who fancied himself a "gentleman", a bullet to her head when she wasn't looking would no doubt be a better fate.

[–] masteroftheobvious-1 20 years ago

OK, here's the deal.
#1) Hatfield had a 5 shot revolver
#2) Most gunmen kept the first chamber empty (so they wont accidentally shoot their toe off:)
#3) The chivalrous Hatfield double checks his remaining bullet(s) and only rolls the chamber ahead one "click" (he had previously fired his 3rd shot)
#4) Pulling the trigger on this pistol simultaniously advances the chamber ahead one, then fires (actually rotates from the empty to the loaded chamber)

Note: observe this advancing "action" in the film as he pulls the trigger...

What drives me crazy? Poor Hatfield never gets to say his last words :(

God help me, Ive seen this movie a million times... LOVE IT! Jerry ;) Wink

[–] Quadinaros223435 20 years ago

So who shot Hatfield?

"I am NOT the Walrus."

[–] tellafriend 20 years ago

Thank you "Master". I understand about the "gentleman thing to do" shooting the lady but I didn't understand why he rolled the chamber back... and now it makes perfect sense!

[–] masteroftheobvious-1 20 years ago

Hatfield met his demise (it is implied) by an Apache bullet :(

Jer ;)

[–] crittercat 20 years ago

"Hatfield" does have an on-camera demise. After the army goes in pursuit of the war-party and the stage is halted, Ringo opens the door and observes "Hatfield" being treated by the doctor. He looks toward Lucy and says "If you see Judge Renfield, tell him his..." and he dies. Presumably he was going to admit that he REALLY was the son of Judge Wrenfield and wanted his father to know that his son died honorably, not as a gambler.

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