Death Valley Days (TV Series)

By the Book (1968)

Bill Zuckert: Hugo Stillwell

Quotes 

• [examining the Baldwins' rundown inheritance] 

  Fran Baldwin : It isn't quite what we expected.

  Hugo Stillwell : I thought not. The only improvement is this shack your father built - if you can call it "an improvement'.

  Fran Baldwin : Improvement?

  Hugo Stillwell : Yes, the Homestead Law says improvements have to made if a claim is to be kept - and they must be made within a time period.

  Fran Baldwin : I see.

  Hugo Stillwell : Well, as you can observe, none have been made here. This place doesn't even have any water.

  Fran Baldwin : Is a well an improvement?

• Hugo Stillwell : Old Man Baldwin's kin came to claim his property.

  Jack Byrd : So what?

  Hugo Stillwell : I want that place for myself, that's so what!

  LeLand Byrd : Now that don't sound quite legal, you bein' the executor of the estate and all.

  Jack Byrd : What are you plannin', cousin? You want that claim to expire you can take it over for free?

  Hugo Stillwell : Jack, I assure you this whole thing will be handled by the book - nice and legal.

  Jack Byrd : But they got the claim by the book - *nice and legal*.