buddy ebsen as john vogelin plays an old cowboy who loves his land "the government claims to own it. i love it and own it " john vogelin as in many of abbeys books such as the brave cowboy filmed as "lonely are the brave" -kirk douglas favorite of his movies in his autobiography the ragman's son -represents the old west anachronistic with close ties to the land and its conflict with the new west of greed and expediency and youth ron howard plays lee mackie the grandson it is important film showing individuals connection with the land and makes john vogelin as sympathetic hero in standing up to the federal govt the acting is top notch the only mystery is why it is not out- even on video

Young Billy Starr spends the summer with elderly John Vogelin (Buddy Ebsen) on a ranch in southern New Mexico. John has a '48-'50 Ford pickup. Cruza Peralta is John's young woman housekeeper. Lee Mackie (Ron Howard) is a land speculator who anticipates selling land to the United States government for military use. Lee has a Ford Bronco. Lee and Cruza attempt to form a relationship. John's ranch becomes commandeered by the government. John doesn't want to sell. The government rounds up John's cattle and sells them in El Paso. John isn't necessarily unpatriotic; he just wants things to stay as they are. John can't fight the government and win, and he doesn't want to adapt to a different way of life. What will become of him?