Unforgiven Scene 15 Summary

  • Back in the sheriff's office, Beauchamp is sitting at a table now, out of his cell. He realizes that Corky was quicker to draw than Bob.
  • Bill tells him there's more to being a good gunslinger than being quick to draw. Being cool-headed counts for a lot.
  • He gives a short demonstration.
  • He talks about how hard it is to get a gun out, cock it, and shoot another man, especially if he's shooting back.
  • That's why there are so few dangerous men around like Bob and him.
  • Up until now, Bill has been pretty happy-go-lucky, chuckling and smiling.
  • His mood now starts to change. He gives Beauchamp the keys to Bob's cell, and a gun. All Beauchamp has to do is shoot Bill, free Bob, and they can leave.
  • Bob perks up. He finds the energy to sit up.
  • Beauchamp is reluctant. Bill urges him on. Beauchamp picks up the gun, but clearly doesn't know what to do with it.
  • Bill tells him to cock it.
  • Beauchamp obliges, slowly.
  • Bill, his voice much lower and much more sinister, tells him to aim it. Beauchamp can't.
  • Bill orders him to do so, more aggressively this time.
  • Beauchamp does it, and he's clearly uncomfortable.
  • Finally, Bill eases the tension and laughs. "Hot, ain't it?" Bill goes to take the gun back and notes that Beauchamp didn't even have his finger on the trigger.
  • Before he can get it Beauchamp pulls it away and asks what will happen if he gives the gun to Bob.
  • Bill's tone changes again. He tells Beauchamp to give Bob the gun. He's not sure.
  • He goes towards Bob's cell, asks Bill for confirmation, and gets it.
  • Bill is using the same mean, aggressive tone from earlier.
  • This whole time, Bob has been approaching the bars of his cell. Beauchamp holds the gun towards him.
  • Bob stares at Bill, and starts to reach for the gun. Bill puts his hand on his own gun.
  • The two stare at each other. Beauchamp is nervous.
  • Bob ultimately declines the gun. Bill goes over, takes the gun, and empties the bullets on the floor.
  • Bob turns away and sighs, almost as if he thought the gun wasn't loaded. Bill tells him he was right not to take the gun because he (Bill) would have killed him.
  • Beauchamp goes back to the desk. Bob sits back down.
  • Bill looks out the window, and comments on the impending rain. Thunder has been heard throughout the entire scene.
  • Beauchamp nervously nods in agreement.