Stranger on My Land

Stranger on My Land

Year: 1988

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Larry Elikann

TV MovieDramaWestern

A Vietnam veteran has to fight peacefully with words once more when the Air Force wants to expropriate his ranch for the construction of an air base.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Stranger on My Land (1988)

Trace every key event in Stranger on My Land (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Detonation of homes in Vietnam to force removal

During the Vietnam War, Bud Witman participates in the forced removal of villagers by detonating their homes on land declared unsafe because of the conflict. The explosions destroy their houses and drive them off the property. The operation underscores the harsh measures used during the conflict to secure land for military purposes.

Vietnam War era Vietnam
2

Bud is injured in combat and undergoes surgery

Bud Witman is wounded during combat and receives medical treatment. He undergoes surgery and is sent home to recover. The injury marks the start of his long struggle back to civilian life.

During the war Battlefield and hospital
3

Bud returns to Chinook Ranch for recovery

After surgery, Bud returns to Chinook Ranch to recuperate among familiar surroundings. He reconnects with family and the life on the ranch. The return signals a shift from frontline conflict to domestic disputes over land.

Post surgery Chinook Ranch
4

Years pass; government plans to extend Air Force base

Several years pass and the government starts proceedings for an Air Force base extension in the area. The Witmans become central figures resisting the seizure of their land. The legal and political pressure mounts as the project advances.

Several years later Witman property area
5

Connie Priest shows hostility toward the Witmans

Connie Priest, the county surveyor, meets the Witmans with overt hostility. Her attitude foreshadows the friction over land valuation and eminent domain. The tension complicates negotiations before any court action.

As planning begins County offices
6

Suit filed; court enforces eminent domain

Some families accept the government's offers for their land, but the Witmans file a lawsuit to fight the sale. The court rules to enforce eminent domain, which intensifies the government's plans for the project. The decision forces Bud and his family to decide whether to vacate.

During legal proceedings Courtroom
7

Deadline to vacate before ground freezes

The government prepares for the project while the Witmans refuse to leave. If the land is not vacated before the ground freezes, the project will be delayed. The looming deadline adds urgency to the confrontation.

Before winter freeze Site
8

Vern Whitman is shot and buried on the ranch

Vern Whitman is shot during a confrontation with Priest and his cohorts. He dies and is interred on the Chinook Ranch. Bud's resolve hardens after this loss.

During confrontation Chinook Ranch
9

Bud's combat buddy arrives to help

Bud's combat buddy shows up to assist in the fight to resist eviction. The ally strengthens Bud's position as the standoff intensifies. The presence of an old comrade underscores the personal stakes.

After Vern's death Chinook Ranch
10

Deputized locals and moving van planned for removal

The government aims to use deputized locals to remove Bud, accompanied by a moving van. The public road leading to the ranch fills with spectators watching the showdown. The setup moves the confrontation from the ranch to a broader stage.

Removal attempt Public road to the ranch
11

First assault and explosives detonate

Explosives are detonated by Bud when the first assault is attempted and fails. The confrontation escalates as the house is targeted and defended. The spectacle draws a crowd as the standoff continues.

During the removal attempt Chinook Ranch
12

Priest volunteers to remove Bud on his own terms

Priest volunteers to remove Bud from the property on his own terms, a plan kept from the operation's commanding officer. This sets up a personal pursuit rather than a straightforward eviction. The risk escalates as Priest becomes a central focal point.

During the operation Ranch vicinity
13

Showdown in the wilds; Bud and force clash with Priest

Priest and his cohorts riddle the house with bullets, and Bud's group is forced to retreat. Bud lures Priest into the wilds for a showdown, showing his willingness to go off the map to defend his land. The confrontation becomes a test of endurance.

During the pursuit Ranch and surrounding wilderness
14

Annie's plea leads Bud to relent

Bud is shot but not incapacitated, and after a brutal exchange, Annie Witman appeals to him to stop. The plea humanizes the conflict and influences Bud's decision. The violence begins to pause as the emotional bonds within the family steer choices.

Pursuit The wilds near the river
15

Priest dies at the hands of a Marshall

Priest retrieves his gun from the stream and is about to fire on Bud when the U.S. Marshall shoots and kills him. The violent confrontation ends with Priest's death and Bud's relief.

Climax Stream near the wilds

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:36

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Stranger on My Land Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Stranger on My Land

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