Wagon Train (TV Series)

The Tom Tuckett Story (1960)

Robert Middleton: Nat Burkett

Photos 

Quotes 

• Nat Burkett : You mind what I say. Bring me what I need, you hear. Don't tell anybody what you're doing. Or I'll creep into your house in the dark of night and roast you alive. Go on.

• Nat Burkett : There was a guardian, I think. There had to be a guardian while you were a minor. Was it a lawyer named Pennyworth?

  Tom Tuckett : Yes?

  Nat Burkett : Then, when Pennyworth died, a Mr Miles took over from him.

  Tom Tuckett : You. You?

• Tom Tuckett : If you've looked me up to thank me, it really isn't necessary, and, ah, I'm sure you understand I really can't wish to renew our acquaintance.

  Nat Burkett : [the smile on Nat's face slides downwards and disappears]  You know, Tuck, my boy, that never once occurred to me.

  Tom Tuckett : Look here, I'm sorry, that sounded very rude and harsh. I didn't mean it that way.

  Nat Burkett : Well, maybe it's a disappointing welcome coming so far. You're not to blame.

• Nat Burkett : I'm unrepentant. If time were to roll back and I had to face those moments again, I'd still do exactly the same.

• Nat Burkett : The Indian and the White Man must ride in safety in the forests, and rest without fear beside the same rivers. The world changes, you must change with it.

• Nat Burkett : I won't forget you, Tom.

  Tom Tuckett : I wish you could.

• Major Seth Adams : Nat, you're a fool to come here.

  Nat Burkett : I tried not to come. I did my level beat to stay away but once I knew the boy was on the train, I just had to come.

• Nat Burkett : I can never go to San Fransisco, you know that. I may never get another chance to see the boy.

  Major Seth Adams : Is it worth risking your neck? Your life?

  Nat Burkett : Yes, it is.

  Major Seth Adams : What're you gonna tell the boy?

  Nat Burkett : The truth.

• Nat Burkett : I swam the river and the Caw Indians hid me in their villages. Later on, they passed me from village to village until I ended up with the Ottawas on the other side of the Canadian border.

  Tom Tuckett : I wonder if I'd been in your place if I'd have had your courage.

  Nat Burkett : Thank you, Tuck, my boy. thank you.

• Maj. Anderson : An I to believe you warned your friends, Lieutenant Burkett?

  Nat Burkett : The village is empty, sir.

  Maj. Anderson : You contemptible traitor. ARREST THIS MAN, ARREST THIS MAN.

• Nat Burkett : Finally, a man named Anderson came out to take charge, the most fanatical, sadistic man you'd ever want to meet.

• Nat Burkett : A man is a human creature with a divine right to be illogical if he chooses.

  Tom Tuckett : Well, I don't choose.

  Nat Burkett : Love is important, boy. I wish you'd go back and fight for yours.

  Tom Tuckett : No. That door's closed behind me now. Oh, I expect to suffer for a time , but I'm resolved to recover.

• Nat Burkett : Logic? I thought we were talking about love.

• Nat Burkett : If one arrow is sent winging through the morning, it will call back a thousand bullets. Not today.

• Nat Burkett : I am Burkett, blood brother of Blackhawk, Chief of the Ottawa. I address the Seven Council fires, the mighty Sioux, I ask for Red Cloud, noble leader of a noble nation to come forth to talk in friendship. I call for Bright Eagle, noble chieftain of the Kiowa. I ask for Bright Eagle to come forth to speak in friendship. I call for Storm Cloud, noble leader of the Commanches. I ask for Storm Cloud to come forth to talk in friendship with his brother.

• Tom Tuckett : I have the book learning. And you have the knowledge. And You have the wisdom, and courage. I just hope I can measure up to you.

  Nat Burkett : Thank you, son.