Academy Award-« winner* Tommy Lee Jones writes as well as stars and makes his directorial debut in this rousing turn-of-the-century Western based on Elmer Kelton's popular novel and featuring Sissy Spacek Sam Shepard and Wilford Brimley. It's the early 1900s and weather-beaten cowhand Hewey Calloway (Jones) rides in from the vast Texas range after learning his brother's farm is in danger of foreclosure. Arriving in a nearby town what the middle-aged roughrider finds amazes yet threatens him - automobiles and civilized society. Soon the local schoolteacher (Spacek) catches his eye which places Hewey in a unique situation. Surrounded by his brother's family and with a strong attraction to the new lady in his life Calloway is actually considering settling down. But when his freewheeling ranching buddy (Shepard) comes to visit Hewey begins longing for the old days in the saddle. Torn in both directions Calloway is now faced with the biggest decision of his life.