Characters
What is a Maverick?
Grady says mavericks are cattle. (27) He’s not entirely wrong, as mavericks are unbranded cattle and the Maverick brothers are all bachelors.
Bret Maverick refers to them as “lostlings.” (31) That’s right too, as calves without mothers are often called “Mavericks.” and while “Pappy” is often mentioned,* their mother is only mentioned once. (50) As it was thought “Pappy” might marry “Lady” Gida, it might be assumed that he is a widower. (54)
These Mavericks are brothers of the two-legged variety. Bret, Bart and Brent. There is also that wayward cousin, “Beau,” that came home from the war by way of England, is named after their father, and who reveres “Pappy.” There is a strong family resemblance. (75) Dark haired, attractive, independent, and all following in the footsteps of “Pappy” by becoming gamblers. “Pappy” knew his sons and nephew well and insisted that they keep a thousand dollar bill pinned to the inside of their coats so they wouldn’t starve to death. (31)
If Maverick’s truly have a vice, it’s curiosity, (1,2,25,35) which is only a vice because of the inevitable trouble they get into because of it. Bret is the most afflicted. He just can’t walk away from a puzzle. (2) Gallantry is an old Maverick family tradition. (6) Bret, Bart and Beau are all suckers for a damsel in distress, and oblivious to the fact that she may be a femme fatale. Brent, not so much. However, they would all agree that, “We never hit women, children or slow witted con men.” (57)
Bret and Bart were born in East Texas and have a spread in a town named Little Bend (21) When they left to fight in the War for Southern Independence, “Pappy” cautioned them not come home with any medals because if either did, he’d beat the culprit to death. (19) They were captured and decided they did not like life in a Yankee prison camp. So, when offered, they became Galvanized Yankees, during which time they fought in the American Indian Wars in the Arizona Territory. (21) When they returned to Texas to collect the $1650 in gold they left with a local storekeeper (Note: they did not leave the gold with “Pappy”). They were accosted by paid assassins, whom they killed. Their only collaborating witness then disappeared. Accused of murder, they became wanted men and believed that unless they could find “The Tall Man,” they could not return to Texas (21) (This did not last too long, as by the time of the “Maverick Springs” confidence game, Bret was back in Texas (66)).
Being rolling stones, (89) Bret and Bart don’t travel together often, but keep track of where the other one is dealing. (16,29,48,49) That’s a good thing, because Mavericks have been known to buy a pig in a poke during a game which often lands one of them in a pot of trouble, (7, 41, 49, 69, 70, 75, 116, 120) which sometimes means one or the other has to bring in their brother to help dig themself out of a hole. (37, 42, 46, 56, 66, 80)
Neither Bret nor Bart are very fast with a gun. (16, 27, 59, 117) What they lack as gunfighters they make up for as fist fighters. Both pack quite a wallop. (2,4) Likewise, the Maverick boy’s don’t swear (31, 114,121,124), but “Sweet Mortimer’s mustache,” they can turn a phrase.
There is a good natured competitive, yet loving, sibling rivalry between Brother Bret and Brother Bart. (21) They will cheat each other when playing cards (45) or chasing women, (21) but they won’t kill each other. (44) Their idea of revenge doesn’t involve murder either, but often involves swindling the ne’er do well (78) and ending up with a lot of money. When they help each other (8, 11, 21, 27, 37, 42, 44, 45, 46, 54, 56, 66, 70, 71, 89) they often pay the other a negotiated fee or split the reward. After all, blood may be thicker than water, but money is everything.
* 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 14, 19, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 94, 96, 99, 101, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 123, 124
Bret Maverick
Judge Thayer describes Bret Maverick as, “A lamb among wolves.” A better description might be a sheep dog in wolf’s clothing, as he often finds himself protecting sheep (figuratively and actually (75)) by running a confidence game because, as unhappy as Pappy might be with this description, Bret is really a decent, (1, 48) even trustworthy (3,5,6,9) man who is just a teensy bit mercenary (48) and a little too enthralled with the almighty dollar. (33,35, 38) As Bret puts it, “Honesty is the best policy when it comes to love or money.” (73) It is just that sometimes Bret gets confused (73) when having to make a choice between the two. Perhaps bemused would be more accurate.
Women describe Bret as sweet, (16, 58) handsome, (28,54 ) trusting, (58) a gentleman, (16) suspicious, (23) clever, (23) a man of character, (51) “shiftless… but not shifty,”(70) sly, (58) powerful, (58) and a knight in shining armor.(58)
According to men he is a little more complex. One the plus side, he is quick thinking, (1, 56) gutsy, (1, 38) honest, (16) capable, (16) discreet, (16) a gentleman, (16, 45) gallant, (45) tall, and good-looking, (51) a thinking man, (56, 58) a good man, (48) and finally, a man of imagination, but realistic and a man of personal freedom, but responsible. (33) Most definitively, Bret is a man of expensive tastes, but bankrupt.(33) One the negative side he is termed a “laddy buck,” (1) “…quicker than a cat and slipperier than a snake,”(28) greedy, (35) “ a simple uncouth Texas gambler,” (45) smooth talking, (79) prone to idleness, (89) shiftless, (89) and disarmingly dishonest, (45)
Bret describes himself as a simple country boy, (16) who is flexible, (12) a man who does things on his own terms, (14) a fence straddler, (19), sentimental, (53) with tender feelings, (38) unreliable, (56) impulsive, (14) and above all, a devout coward. (53, 56, 79) While claiming he has a good eye for avoiding trouble, (70) he certainly seems to put his foot in it a lot. As Bret puts it, “Now, normally I don’t like to fight. I try to go through life without fighting. But if that life is about to end and I don’t want it to end then I’m willing to fight. so I can go on living without having to fight. Do you follow that?” (62)
Bret claims he is not a professional anything because he’s too lazy. (31) All he wants out of life is to stay alive, enjoy good food, have an untroubled mind and good digestion. (19) “Pappy” was of the same mindset and thought it would “be a pitiful thing” if Bret ever tried to work for a living. (31) “Pappy” advised Bret to live by his wits because the good Lord did not give him brains. (31) He seems to grab whatever job is presented when the need arises: soldier, (20) “Galvanized Yankee,” (20) rancher, (20, 75) dealer, (33) spotter, (2) dishwasher, (28) salvor, (11, 38) dealer, (12) guard, (16) guide, (31) impersonator, (66) manager, (53) ranch hand, (31) riverboat owner, (70) stage line owner, (89) trail boss, (21) sheriff, (56) bounty hunter/thief-taker, (8, 12, 28, 29, 33, 35, 43, 48, 60, 64, 68, 73) wrangler, (31) and impersonator. (45) While he may claim he does not have a profession, he does know his way around a deck of cards. (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 23, 25, 33, 37, 38) As Homer Eakens explained it, “When a man plays poker well, he doesn’t have to earn a living. Other people earn his living for him. No one can accuse Bret Maverick of having done an honest day’s work since the day he left home.” (25)
Bret’s initiation to poker was at the De Lassignac home (77) and he quickly became a member of the club. He’s not looking for any more action than what he can find at a poker table (78). Bret knows the ins and outs (1, 2, 66, 68) of the game. He can deal any game any way any one wants (33) but plays an honest game of poker (except with Bart (45)) and no one has ever called him a cheat and gotten away with it. (3) Alternatively, there is nothing Bret likes better than to trip up a card shark. (1, 7, 33, 40) He knows how to bluff (3, 17) and when to fold his hand. (19) He reads the table well and will put his money on a straight flush (3, 6) or a crooked mind. Poker is a science (64) and as such, Bret plays the odds and thus does not consider himself a gambler. (46, 64, 79) He is willing to invest money in learning how the locals play the game (51) and believes he has a duty to educate them as to the right way to play (38, 48) However, he does not play with anyone that he thinks can’t afford to lose. (3) Bret is very good at his trade, claiming that there are only half a dozen men in the West that that can give him a run for his money (emphasizing “his”) when it comes to poker. (71) Included in that group are Bart and “Pappy.” (71) Bret avers that playing with those half a dozen esteemed gentlemen is gambling and, at that point, luck can look over any man’s shoulder. (23, 46, 71) In any game, Bret knows that, “Sometimes it is better to quit before you win too much. That way you don’t wear out your welcome.” (53) That is why Bret has to move along so often. (53)
When in a town, he dresses the part of a gambler, There is no attempt to delude the locals that he is a stumble bum cowboy who just happens to get lucky at the table. His favorite gambler’s outfit includes a black broadcloth coat, (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 19, 23, 79, 89) black (3, 4, 6, 7, 12) or cream pants, (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 14, 19, 23, 25, 79, 89) a ruffled (1, 3, 8, 9, 12, 14, 19, 23, 25, 33, 79, 89) or a plain (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 23) white shirt, and a vest. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 19, 23, 25, 33, 79, 89) Bret usually sports a black hat, (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14, 19, 38, 56, 79, 89) often worn on the back of his head and tilted up, (2, 38, 56) which gives him an air of naiveté. It may also have been part of the game, in that it gives the impression of carefree youth, of someone who is befuddled or perhaps even a bit tipsy, thereby putting his opponents off guard. When he goes south of the border he dresses appropriately with a white Panama hat, white coat, white pants, white shirt and light colored vest. (33, 73) No matter what combination of the above, the ensemble is always topped off by a thin, black loopy string tie (1, 2 ,3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 2, 14, 19, 23, 25, 33, 73, 79, 89) and with a thousand dollar bill pinned inside his coat. (1, 31, 70)
His outfit would not be complete without his pearl handled gun, (4) a “stubby,” (58) and a switchblade. (9) Bret is a pretty good shot, (2) just not very fast. (16, 27) He can engage in some pretty fancy gunspinning. (60) The truth is, Bret says he’s not very good with a gun but likes to think the next man is even worse. (27) What he is, is good with his fists.
While Bret usually (68) does not drink, (46,56) he does smoke and prefers panatelas (1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 23, 38, 48) to a regular sized cigar (14, and in those he prefers Cuban cigars 46, 64) and is known to blow smoke for emphasis. (9, 66) Speaking of drinks, he like his coffee hot and black. (5,16) He can carve, (37, 38) sing, (38) whistle, (37, 66 ) and quote the bible, (37) but his real hobby is money. (37)
So let’s look at Bret’s true love – MONEY! “The feel of money is like no other.” (56) When stolen from him, Bret becomes a lot less cerebral and a lot more physical. (38) He will follow the culprit to the proverbial “ends of the earth.” (4) His fondness for money sometimes frightens him, (46) but he will not steal it, especially from his friends. (38) Perhaps the greatest compliment Bret can pay another man is to bet money on him. (25, 17)
This apple did not fall far from the patriarch’s tree. “Pappy” and Bret share physical and mental agility (54) and the gift of gab, (19) There is a slight variation in their character. Bret has a conscience. (5) This has been known to get him into trouble. He also, like “Pappy,” knows his way around, under, over, and inside a confidence game. When Bret is running a con, he sometimes has to convince himself it is for noble reasons (38) and not just his own betterment. Like a conductor leading an orchestra, (37) he can convince his marks that there is a golden goose at the end of the rainbow in the middle of the Mohave desert. (1, 28, 37, 40, 44, 56, 66)
Of the Mavericks, Bret is probably the most romantic (42) as he will leave a card game for a woman.(16) Bret has a habit of meeting women who are in need of his protection (6, 14, 16, 31, 46, 51, 53, 73) or looking to take him for a ride. (3, 4, 7, 23, 28, 42, 44, 58, 66, 70, 79) So far, he has kept his promise to “Pappy” that he wouldn’t look for a wife until he is at least 38. (46)
According to Dandy Jim Buckley, Bret has the droll and refreshing wholesomeness of a genuine frontier wit. (35) Bret’s offerings are rather like “Pappy’s Proverbs,” without the satiric twist:
- “We all make them [mistakes]. That’s why we have erasers.” (12)
- “The Butler did it.” (25)
- “I’m workin’ on it.” (37)
- “We all have to eat a little dirt sometimes. It’s good for us.” (48)
- “Now he [Waco] did everything a man shouldn’t do. But he’s still alive. Looks like he’ll be elected sheriff. I know he’ll end up with the biggest ranch in the territory. I’m broke. Nobody even knows I’m leaving, or cares. Could I be wrong?” (48)
- “The way I look at it, you don’t go looking for trouble. If you do go looking for trouble, you might find it and there’s always a killin’ or two, right? And if there’s a killin’ or two there’s no law and order, right?” (56)
- “We’re all strong enough, to bear the misfortunes of others.” (58)
- “It pays sometimes to sit and wait.” (64)
- “The friendly sound of a slicker trying to slip the hook into a sucker.” (89)
and perhaps, most indicative of his outlook on life:
- “ Have you ever been in a gulf hurricane?… It’s the big pine trees and the thick oak trees that get uprooted first. The palm trees are smart. They give with the wind…They live a long time.” (48)
- “It’s nice to know I’m bringing a little sunshine into people’s lives.” (37)
Bartley (37) (or perhaps Bartram (80)) “Bart” Maverick
With a horse saddle, and a thousand dollar bill pinned to his jacket, Bart Maverick is rich and happy. Without the thousand dollar bill, he is poor and happy. (72) That sums up Bart Maverick’s philosophy of life.
A self proclaimed loafer, a gambler (18), Bart would tell you he is “…just an easy goin’, fun-loving sort of boy up to a point. which we’ve just passed. I don’t like being knocked on the head, and I don’t like having my room ransacked and my clothing strewn all over everywhere. (36) He would also admit that he’s not neat, but lazy, and a spoiled child of the poor, (36) but would rather live the life of a rich man’s son. (63)
Friends and family have their own opinions about Bart. Doc Holliday is perhaps the most distrusting of Bart, referring to him as having a low and devious mind, (106) dishonest, (116) and being a conniving, double crossing, low down Texas gambler. (120) Dandy Jim says Bart is not bright, but makes up for it by being shifty. (32) His own brother says he is suspicious by nature (57) and hot-tempered. (21) Bart admits he, “wouldn’t know a moral if I fell over it.” (120) Like Brother Bret, he is also a bit mercenary, as revealed by his assertion that, “ If we don’t protect the lambs, we’ll never get a chance to fleece the sheep.” (121)
Bart often looks at life like a poker game. describes his actions in terms of poker. (9) When asked about a relationship that takes a turn in the wrong direction, he suggests folding the hand and waiting for the next deal. (52) Bart never bets into a blind hand. (10)
Bart is only “fair” with a gun (39, 59, 117, ) but he is spot on with a sling shot. (120) He is also very good in a fistfight (55,87,115, 118) and pretty fast on his feet. (32)
It is a fifty-fifty bet as to whether Bart is an honest man. (34, 55,106,115,116)
While Brother Bret seems to become entangled with women with agendas of their own, Bart takes a more direct approach in his relationship with the fairer sex. (83, 84, 87,89,103) No woman can become commonplace (119) to him. In his younger days, he claims to have carried books home from school and sometimes to school. (83) While Bart is not quite the gentleman that “Gentleman Jack” Darby is, (20,30) he makes up for it with his charm, (32,59,63, 114, ) graciousness, and polite manners. (52, 80,114, 115) It also does not hurt his amorous efforts that he is young and handsome, (34) and, as one father put it (34), tall and well-favored with an easy grace, such are the tools of Satan to entice a wayward child into the path of sin. (13) Young women (13, 61) do seem develop a crush on him. He politely, but firmly lets them know he is way too old for them. (13) A bit old-fashioned, he prefers a woman to be a “woman” in her relationships with men. (50) He enjoys the company of women, but likes his freedom. (114, 116) As Pop Talmadge puts it, Bart is a man that “ain’t aimin’ to be caught – nor chasin’ either.” (61) Generally, it a “Thank you, ma’am” and he’s moving on; (57, 61) a habit he would have gladly broken with a Countess, (18) or woman who could make a “full house” mean kids instead of cards. (119) Besides, he also promised “Pappy” he will not marry until he is thirty-eight. (40)
This is not to say that Bart does not understand and sympathize with the plight of women. When confronted with the belief that men have more options in determining their life’s path, Bart says he feels sorry for the other half of the world. Alternatively, he also posits that the reason women dislike other women is because they understand each other. (50)
Bart is so predictable in his clothing that when Beau see a mannequin in a store window dressed in gambler’s clothes he remarks “Cousin Bart.”(91) If one were to open his suitca se, (36) war bag, (8) or the carpet bag with a secret compartment in the bottom, (123) one would find enough shirts for a clean one every day. (115) Among the pleated, (87) plain, (10,85) and ruffled (10, 10,25) shirts would be vests, (8, 10, 24, 85, 112) dark (13, 87) and light pants, (8.10,25) a black broadcloth coat, (25, 85, 87) and a variety of black loopy ties, (25) a necktie, (37, 85, 117) and Continental (10,87) ties. He likes lace cuffs, (50) square gold cuff links, (56, 85) and a gentleman’s plain gold band that he wears on his right pinkie. (24, 87)* As the more adventuresome of the Maverick brothers, he is often found in a black shirt with black pants and a yellow leather jacket with fringe running across the back from one shoulder to the other. (8,10, 13, 15.
Bart carries a $20 gold piece that his pappy gave him (121) and fifty dollars in gold coins in his boots.
In addition to being a gambler (8, !!, 18, 20, 26, 24, 32, 34, 41, 65, 114), Bart has garnered money as an auctioneer, (41) banker, (116) body guard, (10, 72) bounty hunter, (8, 50, 52, 81) camel spotter, (52) debt collector, (26) deputy, ( 121) marshal, ( 56 & 121) horse player, (18) statesman, ( 74) treasure hunter, (24) miner, (32, 114) horse soldier, (65) “Galvanized Yankee”, (21 ) newspaper publisher, (120) stock broker, (114) trail boss, (47,76) and lest we forget, an honorary captain of the New Orleans Police Department. (85)
Taking a slightly different tact from Brother Bret’s discreet retreat approach to problems, Bart, while claiming he is not normally the type of man who sticks his neck out for some else (119) and willing to turn the other cheek and swallow the occasional insult, also knows that he does not live his life to please someone else. (119) Pappy taught the boys to avoid trouble, but he wasn’t much for running. (99) In a like manner, Bart gets hard of hearing when somebody tells him to get out of town. (106)
If Bart is not the mark, (42, 72, 112,114, ) he is often the roper (37,44,116,122) in a confidence game. He is also the one most likely to work under an assumed name. (54,55,56,113) He will call on Bret to help him when he has been conned and he will help Bret pull off a con. (66) He know the importance of good help in a con and strives to hire the best. (66)
Or as Bart says, “It isn’t whether you win or lose. It’s, ah, how you play the game.(59)
*Jack Kelly’s wedding ring.
Beauregard “Beau” Maverick II
Horribly labeled as the “white sheep of the family” for violating his eponym’s (88) cardinal rule about heroic behavior, “Beau” flees to Europe to give the family, and most importantly, his Uncle “Beau,” time to forgive his transgression. (80) While he may be able to explain his situation during the Civil War, (80) he will never live down his involvement with the Fenians. (93)
“Beau” sets great store by his uncle and has followed his avuncular advice concerning smoking, drinking and gambling to the letter (82). He definitely should follow the drinking advice, as he cannot hold his liquor. (93)
Truth be told, “Beau” find the idea of a kiss great fun (91) and there are a bevy of ladies willing to oblige him. (86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 100, 102, 104)
Like his cousins, he sports the clothing of his chosen profession, prefers panatelas (as does Cousin Bret-82,93), can shoot, but not with the speed of a gunfighter (104), is cowardly, honest (96), and engages in the occasional confidence game (80, 82, 91, 93, 96, 100). What is it about necklaces, French aristocracy, and Mavericks? (42,100). Like Cousin Bart, he tends to be more of an adventurer. While he describes himself as a “poor wayfaring stranger” (91), he is actually more of an itinerate gambler. He plays poker at every opportunity and has done so with every ethnicity on earth (93). When asked if all he does is hang around gambling houses, his reply is “Home is where the heart is.” (93). This is patently true, in that he acquires two gambling establishments thanks to his poker ability (86,98). What else could be expected of someone who carries fourteen packs of cards in his saddle bags and who responds when someone refers to a pack of cards as the “Devil’s pastecards [pasteboards]” with, “No sir, they’re mine.”? (82)
Brent Maverick
Brent is “Bret” with an “n”. The similarities do not end there. He wears the same style of clothing (107, 109) as his elder brother, tilts his hat back on his head, (107) has a “white knight” complex, (107) sports that wide-eyed look of disbelief,.(107) and generally is looking for a form of justice in life that simply may be hard to find without a lot of personal effort. (107)
While turning a lot of phases on his own (“A woman’s tears. The holy water. Killed more men than whisky.” (1070), he is not given to quoting “Pappy.” Following in the Maverick tradition, he gambles, but has been known to draw to an inside straight. (109) He is also a little more forthright and does not appear to be as adept in developing a con. (107)
Like his brothers, he is attractive and attracted to women, whom he often refers to as, “Honey.” (109) And like his brothers, he has a penchant for finding trouble.
Beauregard “Beau” Maverick (I)
A gambler (90,123) and confidence man, (124) “Pappy” has never been known to do an honest day’s work in his life. (124) He is described by a woman who is fond of him as being a “penniless, elderly gambler with the social status of a polecat.” (54) and by a friend and admirer as having “devious, conniving ways.” (124) He’s a likeable, as even a rival admitted that, “in his heart, deep down,” he “loved” Beau Maverick, (54) and admired rascal. (124) When Bart questions whether his father has, in his old age, entered his second childhood, Bret comments that he doesn’t remember “Pappy” ever leaving his first. (54)
A widower, “Pappy,” a man grounded in an understanding of the less than admirable character of man, chose a romantic for his first wife (99) and mother of his children. His first son, Bret, is the “apple that doesn’t fall far from the tree” in both looks and personality. He did not educate his children in the finer points of the pasteboards until they could walk (114) and when Bret was six, admonished both he and Bart to avoid the other games found in a gambling house and stick to poker. (46) When Bret and Bart went off to war, “Pappy” admonished them not to come home with any medals, or he would disown them, (19) which is what he did to his namesake when he found out he had been awarded one. (80) Beauregard is one of a number of siblings himself, including Bentley “Bent” Maverick, (54) Micah Maverick, (89) Buck Maverick,(84) and a sister who married Mr. Sutton and bore Jacqueline “Jackie” Sutton. (123) Beauregard Maverick’s father’s name is not given. There was also a female relation named Gemera who married Mr. Warren and begat Josiah, who had a son that fathered Roseanne Warren (96).
Gida considers “the old goat” [“Pappy] to be her “property” and expects to eventually marry him. Bret thought they would marry too. (54) “Pappy” may indeed have been fond of Gida, as when he amasses $25,000, it is to refloat Gida’s showboat. He plans for Gida to work the crowds while he runs the games because, “there’s a lot of money to be made on the river.” (54) His commitment may have been just as much to the monetary side of a financial partnership with Gida as to a romantic relationship. However, Pappy did invent “Maverick Solitaire” (46) and it should be remembered that is a game one plays alone.
Modesty Blaine
Her victims refer to Modesty (a name that is just part of the con) as charming and a priceless treasure. (124) Even Bret admits that Modesty is beautiful. (70) He also avers that she would take anything that isn’t nailed down. (58) which is echoed by “Brother” Bart, who notes that Modesty has more larceny in her little finger than “Doc” Holliday has in his whole body. (124)
An adept pickpocket, (124) a gambler, (58) a narcissistic thief, (70) and a female panther who is untrustworthy, unreliable and underhanded, (124) Modesty presents herself, in a veil of innocence, as the victim. She is not a distraction in another man’s game. She is the confidence artist.
Melanie Blake
Melanie is a true Capricorn.(78) Independent and successful in handling her professional life, as questionable and conniving as it may be. Appropriately demure when required, she is quick to take advantage of the moment. (78, 124) She is always certain of her ability and the logical conclusion of her actions, as larcenous as they may be. Her plans center around her having the upper hand and are well thought out, full of imagination and creativity. She enjoys a confidence trick and is ready to place her footprint in the next sting. (124)
Cindy Lou Brown
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana of parents who made do, but were still looked down on by the rich of the city. (30) The need to validate herself (and perhaps get a bit of revenge) before those upper class citizens led to Cindy Lou’s dream of four snow white horses, a large black carriage with red wheels, a white silk dress, lorgnette, and a sparkling diamond tierra. A Cinderella story, with a con man for a fairy godmother. She had scrimped and saved for three years from her salary as a saloon singer. and amassed the goodly sum of $2400, still needing and additional $2395 to go to the Cotillion Ball. “Gentleman Jack” Darby promised he would double her money in mining stock. The stock plummeted. Enter Bart Maverick and what follows is truly a fairy tale replete with danger and heroics. (30)
Turnabout is fair play as later she is recruited to help Bart in “Brother” Bret’s game to retrieve $15,000 from a shady banker in Shady Acres. (37) This is her introduction to “the game” and she very much wants to please.
Their next encounter (50) nearly five months later, involves a wagon train, with the fair Cindy Lou running away from the leader of a gang of robbers. He has dubbed her “Moonbeam,” which befits Cindy Lou’s very curious, somewhat foolish, and oft time brave personality. She becomes curious about striking up a more intimate relationship with Bart during this interlude, which does not turn out to have the desired happy ending.
James Aloysius Buckley
Otherwise known as “Dandy Jim,” James Aloysius Buckley does everything he can to live up to his sobriquet. Impeccably dressed from a classic Planter hat with black grosgrain ribbon (9) to a silk cravat a la Byron ,(9) yellow gloves, (9) and a gold handled cane, (9,35) he would never do anything that would not leave him “neat.” (35)
Bret Maverick, whom “Dandy Jim” characterizes as his best friend, (35) describes him as a crook, (9) thief, (9, 35) double crosser, (9) card sharp, (9) liar, and wretch (35). On the other hand, to his credit, in his less than 35 (37) years he has never been a killer. (9) He is a gambler (watch out for the holdout up his sleeve and the marked deck in his pocket (9)). He is also an amateur safecracker. (35)
One would never find “Dandy Jim” doing heavy work (35, 54) or, for that matter, any kind of “loathsome” work (54) at all. No, “Dandy Jim” would rather live by his wits, which are quite inventive. An educated man (32), he prefers to read other people. (35) He capitalizes on the greed and basic human dishonesty of others. This is his true calling. Bart sums up Buckley’s talent in a nut shell when he avers he has seen “Dandy Jim” sell confederate bonds to Yankee bankers. (32) While always ready to help the Maverick boys with a confidence game, (9,32, 37) he is not above conning them. (35)
Totally amoral, “Dandy Jim” has but one true love – money. As Buckley puts it, “Somebody once said money isn’t everything. I can’t imagine who it could be.” (32) “Dandy Jim” is the unpredictable (35) and quintessential con artist.* (9,32,35,37)
* Grifter
Samantha Crawford
Poor Samantha. As she relates to Bart Maverick, (20) her parents joined a westward bound wagon train from Springfield (possibly in Missouri or Illinois) and settled in the Dakota Territory when she was 5. (20) She was orphaned by the Arapaho when she was 12. This experience taught her how to survive (20), by hook or by crook.
Life’s a game, but poker is not her game. (3) She does have other talents, such as those of a pickpocket, (20) opening hotel room doors with a hairpin, (23) and swimming. (20)
She could be the female version of “Dandy Jim” Buckley. Her hour glass figure is beautifully dressed, her blonde hair impeccably coiffed, and her faux southern drawl drips compliments like honeysuckle from her lips. (3, 20, 23) She also has a totally amoral personality. It is said that often the female is the deadlier of the species. This may be true of Samantha as, unlike Buckley who has never killed anyone, Samantha suggests that Bart roll himself a cigar from tightly rolled hemlock leaves. (20)
Lies trip off her tongue while the victim is occupied with her wide eyes and even wider smile. (9) Samantha may seem to be your partner in the game, but count your fingers and toes, because the moment your usefulness is at an end, she will leave you in the dust. (20)
As con artists go, no one else in the world is more successfully dishonest that Samantha. (20) Bret understand that this is due to the fact that she believes every word she says. (23) She is the consummate storyteller, and every backstory is a lie. But she will do anything to make it sell. (20) Even when she is hired by ne’er-do-wells, (3, 20, 34) she does her homework and finesses the confidence trick.
Bret’s familial Maverick curiosity makes him more vulnerable to her cons. Of course, that fact that she is beautiful and charming (3) works in her favor. He knows that working with “Sam” is like looking into a “bubbling volcano” (23) and in typical Maverick fashion, declares that it is fun to try to stay ahead of her. (23) Never a dull moment when one is with “Sam.” Bret also recognizes that her ability to run a game is largely dependent on her “Southern charm.” (23)
“Fiddledeedee”(20)
John Darby
WANTED
for Embezzlement
$1000 for
GENTLEMAN JACK DARBY
ALIAS JOHN STRATFORD
ALIAS JOHN AVON
ALIAS SIR JOHN STRATFORD-AVON (30)
and don’t forget,
ALIAS BART MAVERICK(30)
That is how Bart and “Gentleman Jack” met. The description of “Gentleman Jack” could fit Bart Maverick: Age 28, 6 foot tall, dark hair, weight 178 pounds. Very good looking. Flashy dresser. (30) Bart would add that “Gentleman Jack” has a receding chin. (57)
His papers credit him with having served in military forces of the Confederate States (as a captain, no less) in the First Kentucky, a cavalry unit. Those papers also indicate that he is somewhat of either a Don Juan, Lothario, or a confidence man who specializes in defrauding women of their money. He does take Cindy Lou Brown’s money, but then surprising, keeps his word by amassing enough additional funds to take her to the cotillion, as promised. (30) Then again, Darby admits to having sudden lapses – when he does an honest thing. (57)
Found among his papers are pictures from women with touching notes:
“To my darling Gentleman Jack from his Judy. In memory of a happy summer; (30)
With love to a natural man, Jack Darby, who made the long winter seem short; (30)
Ma, To my pride and joy, John. The sunbeam that shines in a mother’s heart; (30)
Of course, one must also wonder if these women were real or just a figment of Darby’s background story. He claims to have a unreasoning passion for Latin women and states that a change comes over him, whereby he becomes “deceitful, cunning, unscrupulous” in their presence. (41) Bart does not see than as any change at all (41).
A gambler (who does not necessarily play with an eye to the odds related to the hand (30)), “Gentleman Jack” is well-dressed, favoring brown tones for his vest, loopy string tie, coat with a darker collar, and cowboy hat (30) that go well with his brown on brown coloring. He, like Bret, favors panatelas. His ability to stay well-groomed, despite the circumstances, leads Bart to remark, “Tell me your secret, Darby. How do you do all this and stay so neat?”. (30) Being a well-dressed gentleman does not preclude his from being described as a “slick haired, cold-footed, quick fingered card shark.” Cindy Lou refers to him as being, “awful slick and twice as quick.” (30) Then again, she may be referring to his talent as a pickpocket. (30)
Money appears to be the motivating factor to Darby’s existence. (41) He is willing to engage in any subterfuge, even that four letter word – work, if necessary. (41)
Darby avers that he always pays his debts, which is why they call him “Gentleman Jack.” (30) This sentiment is echoed when he refers to a Darby family tradition: “We Darby’s always pay our debt, when we’re able.” (57) Perhaps that is why “Gentleman Jack” funds the Shady Acres confidence game. (37) Darby exhibits more empathy than “Dandy Jim” Buckley, to whom Bart compares “Gentleman Jack.”
Darby, like so many of the Maverick boys’ friends, is quick to recognize the ins and outs of a situation and to capitalize on them. (30, 57) One sheriff refers to this ability by stating, “This fella’s full a’ more twists than a corkscrew cyclone.”(30)
“Pearly” Gates and Marla
Never believe that his moniker is an indication of his chance of ever meeting St. Peter. Rather, it is a reference to the stick pin that is also a big a phony. (112)
Who is he really? “Pearly” Gates – Expert on track odds, “Honest” Hank Mahoney – Confidential Investigator, William Prentice III – Mining claims specialist, or “Colonel” Silver – Importer of Jewelry, Perfume and other ladies’ niceties. Or could he be Winfield Windgate III, heir apparent of a well-heeled southern aristocracy? (112)
One thing he is not is Marla’s husband, a fault that she intends to remedy. (112) All “Pearly” needs is enough money. Once he has it, Marla wants “Pearly” to go legitimate. (122) That path leads the pair from one misstep to another, with Bart Maverick getting waylaid along with them.
John Henry Holliday
Perhaps the most relevant advice that “Doc” offers is “Never kill Time, friend, or it’ll end up killing you.” (12) “Doc” is living on borrowed time, a result of his diagnosis with tuberculosis. As Bret Maverick notes, “Doc” hates the world because he knows it will go on living after he is gone, and it makes him mad to see anyone healthy.” (12) In our early introduction, “Doc” is soft spoken, intense, and solemn. (12) He does not broach any lies and challenges any affront, perhaps as a way to hasten the Grim Reaper rather than having to wait on the inevitable. (12)
“Doc” is a professional man, a dentist, (106) a gambler, (12, 106, 120, 124) and a reputed gunfighter. (12, 124) In his later years, gambling accounts for the majority of his earnings. More than willing to play with amateurs, he joking indicates that he is providing a service by running “The “Doc” Holliday School for Happy Losers.” (120) He is superstitious, believing that killing a man during a winning streak will break his “luck.” (12)
“Doc” is also willing to participate in Bart Maverick’s confidence games. (106,116, 120) He fits “Pappy’s” remonstration that, ‘the easiest man to con is a con man” (123) in that Bart can easily rope him into becoming a most willing participant who thinks he has connived his way into Bart’s game. Around Bart, “Doc” is avaricious, (106, 120) immoral, dishonest, (116) a double dealer, (120) moody, (106) quick tempered, (121) subversive, (124) rude, (124) a heavy drinker, (106,120) and is not particularly known for his gaiety. (124). “Doc” fancies himself a bit more larcenous than Bart. (106) So much so, in fact, that his girl friend, Ellen, is worried about him when he starts talking about ethics. (106)
Ah, the ladies! “Doc” finds himself irresistible. (120) He rarely falls in love, (106) but enjoys the company of a woman (106, 116, 120) (preferably one at a time(106)). He is also very possessive and jealous, (106) will marry for money, (to a point) (116) and appreciates a woman who works for a living, (116) especially if it is for his living. Money is a motivator and he is willing to juggle the books as well as the lady. (116)
“Doc” denies that Bret has any friends. Rather, he avers that, “There are only two kinds of people, the quick and the dead.” (12) Alternatively, he considers Bart to be a friend (106) and enjoys his wry sense of humor and side comments, (120) but is somewhat torn when it comes between making money and being a friend. (106) Perhaps being a friend is difficult because “Doc” finds man’s inhumanity to man to be incomprehensible. (106) Then again, that may be because, according to “Doc”, “the mind can think all sorts of things, but it can’t think not to think.” (116)
Mike McComb
Sporting a mustache (1) and perching a derby (3, 24) atop his head, this gregarious Irishman (1, 24) with an impish glint in his eye quickly takes a liking to Bret Maverick. (1) When Bret makes his acquaintance, Mike is running a saloon for Phineas King, (1) and doing his dirty work. Mike claims that while he has had men hurt, it was never too badly, and he has never murdered anyone, (1) although he later ends up facing a charge of murder. (53) This situation is complicated by Mike’s demeanor, for as even Bret must admit, Mike is the guiltiest looking innocent person he’s ever seen who looks like the world’s worst liar when he tries to tell the truth. (53)
Physically, his broad shouldered 6’2” frame (1) is imposing and a warning, as he does know how to handle himself in a fist fight. (3, 24) This fact is not lost to either Bret (1,3) nor Bart, (24) both of whom he fondly refers to a “laddy buck.” (1, 24) In addition to being a very down to earth, practical man, (24) Mike has an even more important quality. He is a good and loyal friend. (3, 24)
Ned Wyngate / Wingate
He is so much of a confidence man that he even deluded himself by not spelling his name the same way twice. (69, 76) His backstory includes a storyline that included being a member of the Bengal Lancers at the Siege of Lucknow. One of the few truths told is that he was actor, having appearing as Cassius in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. (69)
Acting is good training for a confidence artist. So is gambling, as it teaches one about human behavior. “Nobby” Ned reads people as well as he reads a role. In one instance (69) he provides the key to solving the puzzle and in the second (76) he provides the impetus that propels Bart Maverick into another puzzle.