Based upon the novel by Edward Abbey.

Film editor, Ronald J. Fagan ; music by Basil Poledouris ; director of photography, Woody Owens.

Buddy Ebsen, Ron Howard, Michael Conrad, Julie Carmen, Rossie Harris, Ed Brodow, Gary Graham.

Buddy Ebsen and Ron Howard star in this contemporary western which explores the complex themes of the individual and governmental rights and responsibilities, and the conflicts that can occur when the two are in opposition. Ebsen plays John Vogelin, an old ranch owner in Arizona, set in his ways and determined to live out his life on his own land, warding off government interference. Ron Howard plays Lee Mackie, returned to the land of his youth, and a neighbor of Vogelin's who is caught up in the buyout of land by the government for use as a missile testing site. Vogelin's defiance of the federal agents to hold on to what he believes is right, in spite of great odds, touches off a fierce battle over landownership that forces everyone in this rural area to choose sides.

Not rated.

Originally released in 1981.

DVD.