Legends of the Pony Express

An INSP one-hour special

It was an absolute joy conducting research and strategically crafting the story structure to pitch this program.

Top-rated Western-themed cable network INSP Presents the second INstallment in a series of specials under the network’s new Western anthology series. A one-hour special, which highlights the death-defying adventures of the most legendary riders of the Pony Express.

“Although the Pony Express was only operational for approximately 19 months, it left a lasting impact on the legacy of the Old West,” said Miller. “In this special we pay tribute to the young men who risked their lives to deliver the mail across nearly 2,000 miles of treacherous terrain on the Western frontier. Along the way, we share some of the lesser-known facts and water-cooler trivia about the specialized horses, saddles, station houses, and employees that made the unique mail delivery system work.”

Legends of the Pony Express features high-action dramatizations and expert commentary that pays homage to an iconic symbol of the Old West that has been memorialized in dime novels, wild west shows, Western artwork, and classic Western movies. The special is formatted around a re-enactment of legendary showman Buffalo Bill, as he regales viewers with tales from his days on the Pony Express, when he and other young riders found adventure and fame, racing across the West to deliver the mail on time.

Directed by: Matthew Shewchuk and René Brar
Writing credits: Laura Black and René Brar
Research credit: Laura Black

INTRODUCTION

The legend of the American West was born during the days of the Pony Express.

It’s a bold claim, but no other period in history witnessed so many brave men, facing such physical challenges, with so much grit and determination.

Two thousand miles of untamed peril lay before every rider who chose to take up the mantle, galloping through the Rocky Mountains, barren deserts, and open prairie, all the while facing the dangers of extreme weather, animal attacks, and Native American warriors.

They did it for the cash. They did it to test their mettle. But most of all, they did it to help shape this new country called America.

Many riders and employees died in service of the Pony Express, but many more heroes were born.

This one-hour special showcases the most infamous characters and stories from the Pony Express, set across the jaw-dropping landscapes of America’s Wild West.

These stories are delivered to us, not through a faceless narrator, but through the eyes of the company’s most famous rider, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Standing on a theatrical stage, Buffalo Bill introduces us to his dearest friends and recounts his favorite legends from his days with the Pony Express.

As Buffalo Bill shares these tales of old, the audience is treated to dramatic re-enactments that bring these stories to life before their very eyes. Along the way, modern experts and historians chime in with fascinating information and surprising trivia that fills in the details while delighting viewers.

And since Buffalo Bill is a showman at heart, his versions of these stories emphasize the action, danger, and heroism of the job. Sometimes his stories may “drift from the facts” but it’s always in service of the greater legend.

Because at the end of the day, it’s the legend that matters most. That’s what sold the “dime novels” about the West. That’s what sold the tickets to Buffalo’s Bill traveling show. And that’s what filled the people with awe and inspiration.

In the final act, Buffalo Bill meets with the only other man alive who can take his message to an even wider audience. It’s a twist ending, grounded in history, that connects directly with the viewers at home and the mission of INSP.

MAIN CHARACTERS
BUFFALO BILL CODY - Our impresario. Buffalo Bill was a larger-than-life character, known as one of the world’s first

media celebrities. Bill speaks about his experiences as a Pony Express Rider and is our ‘narrator’ in this world.

BRONCO CHARLIE MILLER – Bronco Charlie would go on to become a Texas Ranger and fight with Jesse James. But his legend began with the Pony Express when he became its youngest rider at the age of 11.

BILLY TATE - Billy Tate was a 14-year-old Pony Express rider who faced-off against a Paiute war party. He lost his life but saved his scalp... and the mail was still delivered.

PONY BOB HASLAM - Robert "Pony Bob" Haslam was one of the most daring and best-known riders on the route. He set the record for the longest ride in company history and the fastest ride. If it wasn’t for his courage under fire, the Civil War would’ve turned out very differently and America as we know it may have perished.

WILD BILL HICKOK – Hickock was a lawman, army scout, constable, frontiersman, legendary gunfighter, and one of the great heroes of the West. But like young Charlie Miller, his legend began with a notorious shootout while riding for the Pony Express.

THOMAS EDISON - An American entrepreneur who transformed the world with inventions including the lightbulb, phonograph, and motion picture. He was a man keen on storytelling and finding new legends to share with the world.

TEASE

RECRE: We open tight on a YOUNG MAN (15) racing his horse across the Laramie Plains in 1861.

NARRATION (indicated by BOLD CAPS throughout):

THERE ARE PLENTY OF DISPUTES ABOUT THE PONY EXPRESS... WHAT WAS REAL AND WHAT WAS NOT...

This is YOUNG WILLIAM CODY aka “Buffalo Bill.” He’s riding his heart out. A smile on his face. Feeling the wind in his hair. This is freedom. This is what the West is all about.

Then a GUNSHOT snaps him (and us) out of the moment. The camera pulls back to reveal a band of Sioux Indians giving chase. They’re armed with revolvers and YELPING as they FIRE at Young Cody. Their aim is off, but he gets the message.

I CAN TELL YOU... THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGE WAS REAL.

Young Cody leans into his steed, lying completely flat, and somehow, he draws more speed from the beast. Before long, Young Cody pulls away from the chasing horde and leaves them in the dust with a renewed smile.

RECRE: The Young Man rides into Sweetwater Station, a modest outpost in the heart of Wyoming and a beacon of safety. He slows his horse as he approaches. There’s debris strewn about. The stables are empty. And there’s nobody to greet him. The worried look on his face tells us something is very wrong.

THE DANGER WAS VERY REAL.

He rounds the corner and his heart drops. Camera reveals the slain Stationmaster lying in the dirt with flies BUZZING in a cloud.

AND THE LEGENDS IT SPAWNED...

Smash cut to: Young Cody leaps onto his tired horse, looks back over his shoulder, and gallops off into the sunset... still racing for safety.

THEY WERE REAL ENOUGH.

CHYRON: 32 Years Later

RECRE: Cut to the man we recognize as BUFALLO BILL, now in his late 40s, standing on a stage beneath a banner that reads “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West.” He’s telling one of his famous stories to the audience and we realize he has been the voice of our narrator so far. (Note: whenever we cut to the theater, his narration continues seamlessly as on-stage monologue performed by the actor.)

I SHOULD KNOW. BECAUSE I WAS THERE.

GRAPHIC OPEN: LEGENDS OF THE PONY EXPRESS

ACT ONE

In Act One, we meet Bronco Charlie, learn the basics of the Pony Express, and highlight common dangers facing riders along the way.

The act begins with Buffalo Bill on stage, continuing his monologue. He’s speaking directly to his audience, but we won’t see that audience until the final act.

IT WAS 1861 WHEN MY GOOD FRIEND TRAVELLED TO SACRAMENTO. BACK THEN HE WAS CALLED CHARLIE MILLER, BUT TODAY HE’S KNOWN AS BRONCO CHARLIE...

In recre, we see 11-year-old CHARLIE and his FATHER walking the streets of the bustling town and taking in the sights. Pony Express posters adorn the buildings, advertising for new recruits: “Young, skinny, wiry fellows, not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.”

Expert interviews tell us about the excitement in the air. The Pony Express wasn’t even a year-old, but it was already legendary. Tall tales circulated about the riders and the great distances they covered in record time.
A map graphic shows us the 197 stations stretching from St. Louis to Sacramento. We learn about the intense pressure to keep the mail moving at all costs.
But then, a riderless horse arrives at the station with a bloody saddle. The crowd GASPS in horror. Charlie’s father covers the boy’s eyes, but he insists on looking.

• Expert interviews tell us it wasn’t all glamorous. Pony Express riders faced numerous dangers every day. In a series of quick cuts, we see dramatized examples from history: the inexperienced German rider who froze to death near Fort Kearney; Jack Keetley unconscious in his saddle, bouncing around like a ragdoll; and the rider who was killed trying to cross the Platte River (the only time the company ever lost a package). But through it all, Pony Express riders always carried on...

The Sacramento SUPERINTENDENT calls for a volunteer to ride the mail to Carson City. Nobody in the stunned crowd raises a hand... except for young Charlie Miller.

• Expert interviews explain that riders had to be small (max 125lbs) to lessen the strain on the animals. There had been several teenagers employed by the Pony Express, but never anyone as young as Charlie.

In montage, we watch Charlie prepped for duty. He’s given a bright red flannel shirt, blue trousers, a bugle, a leather-bound Bible, a leather mochila, and a pledge for his signature.

• Expert interviews tell us about the mochila – it was a lightweight leather bag that carried the mail in 4 locked pouches and designed to be transferred from one horse to the next in mere seconds. We also learn about the pledge which was a requirement from the company owners. It was a promise to remain loyal, honest, and sober. The pledge was always signed, but rarely honored.

Finally, Charlie is given a Colt revolver and a rifle. He weighs them both in his hands, considering an important decision.

• Expert interviews tell us that riders were encouraged to keep their weight down as much as possible, so most would leave their rifles behind and only travel with their Colt.

Back to the theater again, Buffalo Bill reminds his audience that these boys risked their lives for company and country.

CHARLIE MILLER LIVED A GOOD LONG LIFE AFTER THE PONY EXPRESS, BUT MANY OTHERS FOUND THEMSELVES RIDING INTO A WAR ZONE, WITH NOTHING BUT A SINGLE PISTOL AND A PRAYER...

ACT TWO

In Act Two, we meet Billy Tate, learn about the threat from warring Native Americans, and the importance of sharp shooting.

Back on his stage, Buffalo Bill introduces his audience to the legend of Billy Tate...

THE CHILD WAS FORGED IN VIOLENCE. AT THE AGE OF 10, HIS PARENTS WERE MASSACRED BY UTAH SETTLERS WHO AMBUSHED THEIR WAGON TRAIN. THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR ORDERED HIM RETURNED TO RELATIVES IN ARKANSAS, BUT BILLY CHOSE A DIFFERENT PATH. HE RAN AWAY TO LIVE HIS OWN LIFE IN THE WEST, EVENTUALLY RIDING FOR THE PONY EXPRESS...

We see 14-year-old Billy Tate riding his assigned route when he’s suddenly intercepted by 12 Paiute Braves and chased through the Ruby Valley in Nevada.

• Expert interviews tell us that young Billy was forced to retreat into the surrounding hills but soon found himself trapped in a boulder field with no escape.

Crouched behind a boulder, Billy pulls out his revolver. He hears the enemy YELPING all around him. He closes his eyes and says a prayer. Billy cocks his pistol, steadies his nerves, and begins FIRING at his enemies.

Smash cut to...

Several days later, Billy’s horse wanders into the next station with the mail, but no rider. The STATIONMASTER secures the mochila and then puts together a search party. They backtrack his route through the Ruby Valley.

• Expert interviews tell us that they had no idea where to look until they spotted a flock of vultures circling in the distance.

The search party finds his body riddled with arrows... but that’s not all. Of the 12 Braves who attacked Billy, 7 lay dead around him.

• Expert interviews tell us that blood trails suggest those who escaped were also wounded by Billy. The search party finds Billy’s empty gun clutched in his hand with spent shells all around him.

• Expert interviews tell us that Billy only had one gun – the 1851 Colt Navy Pistol given to him by the company. He would’ve had six bullets in the pistol plus an extra cylinder for a total of 12 shots for his 12 attackers. And he made every last shot count.

Back on stage, Buffalo Bill concludes the legend...

THE MOST REMARKABLE THING IS, BILLY TATE WASN’T SCALPED BY THE PAIUTES EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THEIR PRACTICE TO DO SO. IT WAS A SIGN THAT THEY HONORED THEIR ENEMY. BUT SUCH HONOR WASN’T BESTOWED UPON EVERYONE...

ACT THREE

In Act Three, we turn our attention to the stationmasters, the dangers they faced during the Paiute War of 1860, and the damage done to the company during that violent summer.

Buffalo Bill tells his audience that the most dangerous job fell to the stationmasters who were sitting ducks for bandits, thieves, and warring tribes...

AT LEAST RIDERS COULD RUN FOR THEIR LIVES. THE STATIONMASTERS HAD TO WAIT AND HOPE FOR THE BEST...

It’s August 1860 at Egan Canyon Station in the heart of the Nevada desert. The STATIONMASTER and ASSISTANT are sweltering at their post. They’re expecting a Pony Express rider any minute and they keep their eyes out. But then something troubling catches their attention... 80 Paiute warriors move into position and surround the station.

• Expert interviews tell us of the violence that marred 1860. Tension between white settlers and the Paiutes were at an all-time high when violence broke out in May of that year. First there was The Williams Station Massacre (5 dead). Then the attack on Cold Springs Station (1 dead). Then the ensuing Pyramid Lake Battles (107 dead total). There was no reason the men at Egan station should’ve expected to live.

The Paiute CHIEF demands gun powder, but the Stationmaster refuses, expecting to receive an arrow in the eye. But then the Chief changes tactics and demands food instead.

• Expert interviews tell us that the Paiutes had just faced a gruelling winter that left them with little food or crops. They were starving.

The two station employees bring out their flour, sugar, and coffee to the Paiutes, but the Chief demands they bake bread for them. That’s when the Assistant tries to escape by horse, but the Paiute stop him and confiscate all their animals. Now they’re angry.

Meanwhile, we see the Pony Express RIDER approaching unnoticed in the distance. He sees the station surrounded by Paiutes and turns back the way he came.

• Expert interviews tell us that the Rider had just passed a military column on his way to the station and returned to them for help.

We watch as the Paiute warriors close in on the station and begin to light the structure on fire. The men inside SCREAM and plead for their lives. Just then a GUNSHOT rings out. The warriors turn to see members of the 4th U.S. Artillery descending on them.

• Expert interviews tell us how Lt. Stephen H. Weed freed the American captives and chased the Paiute warriors off, killing 3 and wounding 12.

Back on stage, Buffalo Bill tells his audience...

MANY STATION EMPLOYEES LOST THEIR LIVES THAT YEAR. AND THE COMPANY WAS FORCED TO CLOSE THE ROUTE FOR A MONTH, LOSING $70,000 AT A TIME WHEN THE BALANCE SHEET WAS ALREADY GRIM. LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND MOST INSIDERS FELT THE PONY EXPRESS WAS ALREADY A GONER...

ACT FOUR
In Act Four, we relive the greatest moment in Pony Express history, during America’s darkest hour.

Buffalo Bill reminds his audience that America was on the brink of civil war in April of 1861 but in his opinion “it was none other than Pony Bob Haslam who saved the Union...”

We watch as President Lincoln’s CHIEF OF STAFF dictates an urgent telegram relaying the new president’s inaugural address.

Expert interviews explain that California was undecided whether to remain in the Union and their support would depend on the new president’s policies. It was essential that Lincoln’s message reach California with the greatest speed to win their support for the war. But since construction of a national telegraph line wasn’t yet complete, the message had to travel part way by Pony Express.
A map graphic illustrates the gap in the telegraph line, between Fort Kearny (NE) in the east and Fort Churchill (NV) in the west. This was the stretch covered by the Pony Express on this important occasion.
At Buckland’s Station in Nevada, a NOVICE RIDER is preparing to receive the mochila and carry it to Fort Churchill where it would be transmitted across telegraph to California. But the Novice Rider is pulled at the last moment. He protests until he sees PONY BOB HASLAM standing behind him, prepared to take the delivery himself. The Novice defers to the legendary rider.

• Expert interviews explain that Pony Bob had already distinguished himself during the Paiute War when he completed the longest ever ride in company history. Now he was called upon to carry Lincoln’s message on its final leg with many vital issues hanging in the balance, including slavery and a possible civil war.

At first Pony Bob’s ride through Nevada Territory is uneventful, but he spots horses approaching on his flank. Soon, he finds himself pursued by a small war party.

• Expert interviews explain that Bob’s 120-mile journey passed through the heart of Paiute territory and although the Paiute War had concluded less than a year ago, a peace treaty was never signed, and tensions were still high.

The Paiute Braves begin firing flint-tipped arrows at Bob, but rather than fire back, he focuses on outriding his enemy. For a moment, he successfully dodges their fire but then one of the arrows pierces his arm. He SCREAMS in pain but somehow holds onto his saddle for dear life. And then another arrow strikes him in the jaw, knocking Bob over in his saddle. Is he dead?

• Expert interviews explain that the arrow didn’t kill Bob, but it broke his jaw and knocked out five of his teeth.

Pony Bob finally turns to face his pursuers. He lines them in his sights, waits for a crucial moment... then FIRES a series of rapid shots.

• Expert interviews explain that Bob escaped by shooting out their horses from under them. And he didn’t waste any time chasing down the warriors; instead, he continued his breakneck sprint with a mouth full of blood and a busted arm.

Buffalo Bill on stage...

PONY BOB SET ANOTHER COMPANY RECORD THAT DAY. HE RODE FASTER AND FURTHER THAN ANY PONY EXPRESS RIDER BEFORE HIM... AND HE SAVED THE UNION THAT DAY. OF THAT, I AM CERTAIN.

ACT FIVE

In Act Five, we learn how the greatest legend of the West built his reputation (unexpectedly) while working for the Pony Express.

Buffalo Bill on stage...

I CONSIDER MYSELF AN ACCOMPLISHED FRONTIERSMAN AND THERE ARE FEW MEN I WOULD PLACE ABOVE ME IN EXPERIENCE OR SKILL. BUT I WILL ADMIT THAT MY DEAR FRIEND AND MENTOR, JAMES BUTLER HICKOK, WAS THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED MAN IN ALL THE WEST, AND HIS REPUTATION BEGAN WITH THE PONY EXPRESS...

HICKOK approaches Rock Creek Station in Nebraska, where he was to change horses before continuing his journey. He begins shouting to alert the stock-tender of his arrival.

• Expert interviews tell us that riders would shout or blow their bugle within half a mile of a station so that a fresh horse would be saddled and waiting for them, and no time would be lost.

But on this day, Hickok got no response when he shouted. With a worried look on his face, the young rider galloped up to the station and found the STOCK-TENDER on the ground with a bullet hole in his head. Just then, Hickok saw a STRANGER rushing for him from the adjacent house. He fired on Hickok but missed. Hickok drew his weapon, fired back, and killed the Stranger in one shot. Then Hickok heard a woman crying for help.

• Expert interviews explain that the station-tender had just gotten married, and it was his bride calling for help from the adjacent house.

Hickok entered the house and found two BANDITS assaulting the Stock-Tender’s BRIDE. Hickok sprang into action and crushed one man’s skull, just as two more BANDITS rushed him from the next room. He fired quickly, killing one more man.

• Expert interviews tell us that Hickok was quite interested in guns, shooting, and competition as a young boy. He became recognized locally as an outstanding marksman with a pistol. A skill that would serve him well and keep him alive throughout the years.

The remaining two men close in on Hickok, one of whom lunges with a large bowie knife. Hickok grabs the weapon and drives it through the heart of the outlaw. The final man then grabs Hickok by the throat, but Hickok manages to break the man’s arm and send him scurrying outside to his horse.

• Expert interviews explain that the bandit who escaped was the sole survivor of The McCanles Gang who were wanted for train robbery, bank robbery, cattle rustling, horse theft, and murder.

Hickok remains with the terrified Bride until a stagecoach comes along. Bill leaves her in the care of the DRIVER and mounts his horse, desperate to make up for lost time.

Buffalo Bill on stage...

AFTER THAT INCIDENT, MY DEAR FRIEND HICKOK TOOK ADVANTAGE OF HIS NOTORIETY TO RE-BRAND HIMSELF ‘WILD BILL’ AND ANOTHER AMERICAN LEGEND WAS BORN. THANKS AGAIN TO THE PONY EXPRESS.

ACT SIX
In Act Six, we finally turn our attention to Buffalo Bill, the stories that he tells, and the question of truth.

Buffalo Bill concludes his monologue with the demise of the Pony Express, “The first transcontinental telegraph line was completed on October 24, 1861. Two days later, the Pony Express ceased operation. But in its short time, it delivered 35,000 letters and birthed the greatest legends of the American West.”

We hear a SINGLE PERSON CLAPPING in the theater. And then a voice echoes out, “Yes, but how much of it is true?”

The camera pulls back to reveal that Buffalo Bill has been speaking to an audience of one the entire time. An elegantly dressed man with a stern look sits alone in the audience. This is Thomas Edison.

• Expert interviews explain that Buffalo Bill and Thomas Edison were two of the most popular and successful Americans of the late 19th century and they saw an opportunity in each other. Bill wanted to get his stories to new audiences, and Edison wanted to showcase his latest invention: the motion picture.

Buffalo Bill smiles, “There are truths, there are half-truths, and then there are legends. I’m a busy man and I only have time for the legends.”

• Expert interviews explain how the legends of the Pony Express first found an audience in dime novels and then eventually in Buffalo Bill’s travelling show. The stories were enjoyed by millions of people around the world. And it wasn’t long before these men – Pony Bob, Wild Bill, and even Buffalo Bill – became the face of America and a symbol of individual excellence. The legends took on a life of their own, and they were about to explode in all new medium...

Edison takes a moment to consider Bill’s response. Then he smiles, “How would you like to make a motion picture?” “What did you have in mind?”
“A western.”

THE END

LEGENDS OF THE PONY EXPRESS - script / story treatment / research