Larry McMurtry's saga opens with two former Texas Rangers (Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones) beginning a cattle drive to Montana.

A deadly pursuit on the plains pits Gus (Robert Duvall) against a sadistic renegade named Blue Duck (Frederic Forrest).

Off the trail, Jake (Robert Urich) falls in with bad company, while Gus (Robert Duvall) shares a bittersweet reunion with an old flame (Anjelica Huston).

Conclusion. A tragedy in the Montana Territory exacts a painful promise from Call (Tommy Lee Jones) that takes him on a haunting mission back to Texas