The Big Country 1958

The 19th century, the southwestern United States. Amid vast stretches of land and gigantic canyons lie two settlements. One belongs to Major Henry Terrell; the other to the down-on-his-luck Rufus Hennessy. They are both staunch individualists who use the same watering hole for their cattle and are at odds with one another. Henry is the local wealthy man, with a beautiful home, a large herd of cattle, a lovely daughter, and a full staff of cowboys. Rufus is penniless. He has several unruly and rowdy sons, a dozen shacks, and an army of poor relatives. Unexpectedly, a well-educated gentleman—ship’s captain James McCain—arrives in town. He intends to marry Terrill’s daughter, but she doesn’t like this dandy. However, the newcomer throws down the gauntlet to the local community, and he has no intention of giving in to their provocations.