Laurence Kendall (Kurt Russell) is a wanderer, a model stranded in the middle of nowhere who happens upon the farm of Elroy “Bud” Burkhardt (Dennis Weaver), a wheat harvester who is dealing with economic issues and also dying of cancer. He has a daughter named Marlene (Mare Winningham) who dreams of leaving Kansas and a son Dougie (Rossie Harris) who ran to Canada during the draft. Somehow, this hardened farmer will become like another father to this young man who has never worked hard in his life.
Directed by Joseph Sargent (Jaws: The Revenge) and written by Ken Trevey, this is a really dramatic, well-made TV movie, a reminder of a time when Dennis Weaver was a big star and Kurt Russell was unproven as an adult actor. Plus, you get Wilford Brimley as an opposing rancher and plenty of gorgeous scenery.
You can watch this on YouTube.
