Three Godfathers

Just before Christmas in the late 1800s, Bob Sangster, a cynical renegade, makes his way back to his hometown of New Jerusalem. His return is not a friendly one; he harbors plans to rob the local bank.

Bob gathers a motley crew to assist in his bank heist. His companions include Doc Underwood, who offers philosophical insights, Gus Bartow, a drifter, and Pedro, a troubadour whose music entertains and uplifts the group as they prepare for their nefarious act.

Upon arriving in town, Bob runs into Molly, the woman he once loved, who is now engaged to banker Frank Benson. Tensions rise as Bob, in a misguided attempt to rekindle a connection, gifts Molly his mother’s watch, leading to an emotional confrontation about their past.

Following their confrontation, Molly returns the watch to Bob in anger. In a desperate attempt to escape his emotions, Bob trades the watch for drinks at a local bar, convincing himself that it was a valuable souvenir from his mother.

Early the next morning, Bob and his gang take action, executing their plan to rob the bank during a charity pie sale. Their crime triggers an immediate response from armed citizens, setting the stage for a violent confrontation.

As the gang tries to flee, armed townsfolk pursue them into the desert. The ensuing chaos results in the tragic loss of Pedro and injuries to Doc, as they desperately attempt to escape their pursuers in the unforgiving landscape.

Faced with extreme thirst, the remaining outlaws discover a poisoned water hole that threatens their survival. This dire situation complicates their journey as they search for a safer water source.

On their treacherous journey, the gang encounters Mrs. George Marshall, a half-dead woman in desperate need of help for her infant son. Bob coldly decides to leave her and the child to pursue his own survival.

The next morning reveals the grim fate of their horses, poisoned from drinking the contaminated water. With no choice left and dwindling supply, Bob and Gus turn back to New Jerusalem in hopes of survival.

Desperate for sustenance, Doc suggests using their stolen money to buy back Bob’s milk can. Despite being weak, he insists on taking care of the child, ultimately sacrificing himself to help both Bob and Gus.

As they traverse the harsh desert, Gus begins to lose his grip on reality, straying from their path while Bob, consumed by greed, initially hesitates to help the infant. A rattlesnake encounter leads Bob to a moment of clarity, prompting him to act to save the child.

Determined to ensure the child's survival, Bob decides to drink from the poisoned water, believing his sacrifice will allow the baby to reach safety. Overcome with exhaustion and nearing death, he fulfills this selfless act.

Bob collapses in the church as he entrusts the infant to Molly, finally feeling a sense of redemption. With his last breath, he passes away knowing he left behind a part of himself through the child and the watch.

Molly, holding the watch, clarifies to the congregation that it is not a symbol of theft, but rather a legacy from a mother to a son. The community grapples with the events, mourning the losses while reflecting on the impact of Bob’s actions.

As the town sings Christmas hymns, there is a poignant juxtaposition of joy and sorrow. Bob's tale serves as a haunting reminder of redemption and the complexities of love and sacrifice during the holiday season.