The Kentuckian

Big Eli and his son arrive in a frontier town while on the way to Texas. They discover the Wakefield name matches a local family suspected of murder, and a struggle leads to Big Eli's arrest. Little Eli is placed under the care of Hannah, an indentured servant.

Hannah uses a quick and daring move to steal the jail key and free Big Eli. The sheriff closes in as the escape unfolds, heightening the danger for the trio. The moment sets in motion their bid to reach Texas.

Seeking safety and freedom, the family presses on toward Texas, taking money they need to secure Hannah’s freedom if possible. They travel along the road toward their promised land. The journey marks a turning point away from the town's troubles.

They arrive in Zack's town and are greeted by Big Eli's brother. Zack cheers Eli, but his wife Sophie looks down on Hannah, highlighting social tensions. Zack suggests Eli stay and work for him rather than pressing on to Texas.

While mussel fishing near the town, Little Eli discovers a large pearl and becomes hopeful about its value. The discovery breathes life into the dream of funding their Texas journey. The pearl becomes a literal symbol of their quest.

In the bar, Ziby Fletcher, a showman, starts selling the idea of selling the pearl. Big Eli ponders the possibility and listens as Ziby hints that the pearl could attract high-level attention. The bar setting tightens the pearl’s significance to their plans.

Big Eli meets Susie, the local schoolteacher, and they share an evening with Zack and Sophie. Sensing trouble, Hannah departs, leaving Little Eli unsettled by her absence. The night deepens the personal strains among the group.

The town children tease Little Eli about the pearl, but Susie defends him, offering support. The Texas steamboat arrives to pick up tobacco, and townspeople are allowed to tour the vessel, signaling a new era of opportunity and risk near the riverfront.

During a hunting camp moment, Eli realizes Hannah has again indentured herself to fund their Texas bid. He urges her to reclaim her freedom and also drafts a letter to President Monroe offering to sell the pearl, though its value remains doubtful. The personal stakes of freedom clash with the dream of Texas.

Back in town, a reply from President Monroe informs them the pearl has no value. The rejection tempers their hopes and forces a recalibration of how they will reach Texas. They must find a new path while weathering disappointment.

Zack schemes to finish the tobacco sale via a riverboat gamble, intending to claim the money as payment from the president. Eli and Little Eli become trapped on the boat but manage to jump off with their dog and Zack’s money, gaining a surprising escape route. The incident shifts momentum in their favor.

In the town square, Bodine attacks, but Hannah traps the whip and Eli defeats him. Babson is shot, and Hannah fires at another attacker; Eli finishes off the remaining foe with a rifle butt. The violence ends, and Eli declares that they are going to Texas, inviting Hannah to join them, which she accepts.

With the threats resolved, Eli tells Little Eli they are heading to Texas and invites Hannah to come along. Hannah accepts the invitation, choosing freedom and a new life in the Lone Star State. The family solidifies their plan to travel west together.