This drama examines the life of an oilman (Robert Duvall) trying to make ends meet in the Texas of the Depression.

While staying overnight at a farmhouse owned by Aidan Quinn and Frances Fisher (Clint's then-partner), he sniffs out oil in the area.

But they refuse to let him drill for it and his attempts to secure a partnership with them for a chance at a last big strike also fail.

Down but never out, Duvall plays his loser role well, ever determined to get his big break.

But other characters are less well defined and there are holes in the script that gloss over some darker moments to get to its inevitable ending.

Eastwood and Fisher's daughter Francesca Ruth is one of the farmhouse kids.