In an American West just coming to terms with the end of World War II, Jane Fonda stars as a Colorado rancher struggling to keep her independence from ruthless local land mogul Ewing. Fonda teams up with another independent rancher and war veteran, Frank and Frank's partner is killed. Frank and Ella develop a romantic relationship as they battle to save Ella's land, but more than the land is at stake for Ewing. His desire to expand his ranching empire must come to terms with a force even more powerful than his own ambition, oil companies interested in taking over the ranch-land for drilling...

Gordon Willis's cinematography of the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado is breathtaking, becoming the secret star of the picture. The film includes a delightful performance by Richard Farnsworth as Dodger, an older local who is close to both Ella and the land....