First Cow

A woman out for a walk by the riverside stumbles upon a shocking find: two skeletons intertwined in a shallow grave. This haunting discovery sets the stage for the historical journey that follows.

The narrative transports us to 1820, where Otis 'Cookie' Figowitz, a reserved chef, struggles alongside a rowdy group of fur trappers in the rugged Oregon Country. The tension arises as the trappers tease him about his inadequate meals.

One fateful night, Cookie encounters King-Lu, a desperate Chinese immigrant fleeing after a violent confrontation. Allowing him refuge in his tent, Cookie witnesses Lu's daring escape across the river the next day, marking the beginning of their connection.

Later, Cookie finds himself babysitting an infant amidst a chaotic bar brawl at a fort. It's here he reunites with Lu, who sees potential for partnership and invites Cookie to join him, planting the seeds for their entrepreneurial dreams.

The outpost rejoices at the arrival of its first milk cow, although tragedy struck as her mate and calf did not survive the journey. This milestone presents an opportunity that Cookie seizes for his baking aspirations.

Under the cover of night, Cookie and Lu embark on a clandestine mission to milk the Chief Factor's cow. With Cookie milking and Lu on lookout, they manage to procure enough milk to create a batch of buttermilk biscuits, fueling Cookie's baking ambitions.

Their first batch of sweet oily cakes hits the market, drawing significant attention. As word spreads about the treats, they find themselves amidst a bidding war, solidifying their status as budding entrepreneurs.

Impressed by their success, the Chief Factor requests a clafoutis from Cookie for an important meeting. The duo takes pride in their delivery, only to face unexpected tension regarding the cow's reduced milk yield during the meeting.

As tensions rise, the cow nudges Cookie, prompting a warning to Lu about impending danger. Yet, Lu insists they cannot leave without one more night of milking, highlighting their desperation and determination.

Their secret operation is jeopardized when Cookie hears Lu's warning just as their hiding place is compromised. A chase ensues, leading them to the river where Lu makes a daring jump while Cookie tumbles down a hill in a panic.

Cookie awakens in a shack and encounters a kind elderly Native Hawaiian couple who help him. Driven by urgency, he sets off in search of Lu, revealing the depth of their friendship amidst their perilous situation.

Meanwhile, Lu is resourceful and uses traded buttons to hire a canoe to find Cookie. He returns to retrieve their hidden money, underscoring their precarious dash towards survival.

Cookie and Lu finally reunite at the shack, assessing their dire situation and plotting a plan to board the next boat south. Their bond strengthens as they face uncertainties together, ever determined to escape their perilous life.

Exhausted from their journey, Cookie struggles to keep pace through the forest. Lu reassures him and pledges to stand watch, emphasizing the loyalty and resilience woven throughout their compelling story.