Goin' South

Year: 1978

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

ComedyRomanceCrimeWestern

A condemned man's chance at redemption arrives when Julia Tate intervenes, saving him from the gallows. He must then reform and search for gold on her land, a condition of his reprieve. As they work together, a partnership develops into an unexpected romance. However, they face challenges from a relentless deputy and Henry's former gang, all while striving to find their treasure and secure their happiness.

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Goin' South (1978) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Goin' South (1978), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

As Henry Lloyd Moon, a notorious outlaw with a history of minor crimes, prepares to meet his fate on the gallows in Longhorn, Texas, the townspeople gather in anticipation of his execution. Unbeknownst to them, a peculiar law in this dusty settlement offers a lifeline for Moon: if a lady agrees to marry him and be responsible for his reformation, he would receive a stay of execution. The locals observe Moon with a blend of fascination and distaste as he faces the noose, but in a twist of fate, an elderly woman steps forward to propose. However, her swift demise adds yet another layer of drama to the grim spectacle.

Just as Moon is dragged back to face his grim destiny again, Julia Tate, a determined Southern belle known for her strict propriety, takes the bold step of proposing an unexpected marriage. Julia, with no plans to fall for her outlaw husband, views Moon purely as a means to achieve her own ambitions, seeing him as labor to exploit for her hidden gold mine located under her land. Yet, as they spend time together, Henry’s rough charm gradually chips away at Julia’s defenses, leading their relationship to evolve into something more profound.

As the boundaries between friendship and love begin to blur, their contrasting expectations clash violently. Moon’s yearning for consummation of their marriage faces Julia’s hesitations, resulting in a tense impasse that leaves them both emotionally scarred. In the aftermath, Henry attempts to make a run for it, yet the sheriff’s men drag him back, forcing Henry and Julia to reckon with the consequences of their choices and the gravity of their predicament.

In the meantime, Henry’s former gang members enter the town, introducing Julia to a thrilling and dangerous world that extends beyond her sheltered life. As they uncover the couple’s secret gold mining endeavor, Moon’s old friends stir up trouble, further straining the tenuous bond between the unlikely pair. It is within this turmoil that a catastrophic cave-in at the mine compels Henry and Julia to reevaluate their relationship and confront the harsh truths of their reality together.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:11

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