The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean 1972

The dusty path of destiny led Roy Bean into the remote and sordid West Texas outpost known as Vinegaroon, where he was met with an unfriendly welcome. Riding alone into town, he became the target of the local saloon patrons, who took it upon themselves to deliver their own version of justice. In a brutal assault, Bean was left battered and at their mercy, with a noose tightened around his neck and his horse set free to drag him away.

Just when it seemed all hope was lost, the beautiful Maria Elena emerged as a beacon of light, rescuing him from the clutches of death. In a show of gratitude, he stormed back to the saloon, unleashing a barrage of gunfire upon those who had wronged him. With the law in chaos, Bean decided it was time to become a self-appointed figure of justice, claiming the title of “the law west of the Pecos.” The townspeople, initially wary, slowly accepted him as their protector, as he instilled a degree of order in the tumultuous streets.

Amidst the backdrop of this chaotic environment, a wandering preacher by the name of LaSalle endeavored to provide comfort to the grieving residents, taking it upon himself to bury the dead and console the sorrowful. In his uniquely eccentric style, Bean renamed the saloon “The Jersey Lilly” in homage to his idol, Lillie Langtry, a celebrated actress and singer from the 1890s. He proudly adorned the establishment’s walls with her portrait, a constant reminder of his peculiar hero admiration.

With a newfound sense of purpose and enriched by Bean’s indulgences from Sears Roebuck catalogs, Maria Elena savored a life filled with luxuries. Meanwhile, Bean welcomed a band of outlaws, including Big Bart Jackson, Nick the Grub, Fermel Parlee, Tector Crites, and Whorehouse Lucky Jim. He took the unconventional step of swearing them in as deputies, entrusting them with the task of capturing other outlaws—promising them a share of the spoils after sentencing their captures to hang.

In this topsy-turvy land, the local prostitutes received a crash course on the importance of community service, tasked with serving as companions for the newly minted marshals. Displaying his brand of frontier justice, Bean ordered a hanging for Sam Dodd and shared in the spoils thereafter. When a drunken man caused chaos with reckless shooting in the saloon, Bean swiftly intervened, showcasing his gun skills by taking down the miscreant.

As Vinegaroon continued to flourish with its vibrant mix of characters, Bean crossed paths with Grizzly Adams, a mountain man who gifted him a bear for companionship, which he whimsically named Zachary Taylor before ultimately renaming it Watch Bear. The arrival of Bad Bob, a deranged troublemaker, led to a dramatic confrontation, concluding with Bean firing the fatal shot that silenced him.

The unwavering persistence of the law took a turn when Frank Gass, a lawyer claiming rightful ownership of the saloon, found himself jailed alongside Watch Bear in a makeshift cage. Setting off alone for San Antonio, Texas, leaving the expectant Maria Elena behind, Bean sought the enchanting Jersey Lilly, promising her a music box playing the beloved tune of “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Meanwhile, in town, Gass and the local sex workers schemed against Judge Roy Bean’s formidable reign, eager to seize control. However, the promising venture for Bean backfired as he discovered Lillie Langtry’s show was sold out, leaving him faced with deception and lightened of his treasures.

Upon his return, Bean was struck with the grim news that Maria Elena had tragically lost her life during childbirth, leaving him a newborn daughter whom he named Rose, a tribute to the iconic melody of the music box. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he contemplated enacting vengeance on the doctor responsible, but Gass, now installed as mayor, overrode his wrathful intent. With a heavy heart, Bean rode away into the distance, while Gass summoned formidable hired guns to take out Bean’s loyal marshals.

As time passed, the town thrived, oil rigs emerging and automobiles filling the streets. When Rose matured, she was taken aback one day to find her long-lost father, leading to a fierce shootout. Chasing Gass on horseback into a raging structure, Bean fervently shouted, > “For Texas, and Miss Lilly!”

Months later, a train arrived, and none other than Lillie Langtry herself disembarked. Having heard the story of Judge Roy Bean’s unwavering devotion to her from the saloon’s curator-turned-museum caretaker, she speculated that he must have been quite the extraordinary man.