Synopsis: This sumptuous epic chronicles the legendary tale of the brave men and women who left the comfort and safety of life in the East for the promise of free land and a better life in the untamed West.
The year is 1843 and Senator William Tadlock (Kirk Douglas) has the vision and foresight to dream of an empire beyond the Rockies. Joining his wagon train as it rolls out of Independence, Missouri, are others who share his idealism: a dirt farmer (Richard Widmark), his wife (Lola Albright) and a tough, embittered scout (Robert Mitchum).