The Quick and the Dead

In Wyoming Territory in 1876, Duncan McKaskel, [Tom Conti], his wife Susanna McKaskel, [Kate Capshaw], and their 12-year-old son Tom McKaskel, [Kenny Morrison], are traveling west to start a new life. They have left a cholera-stricken wagon train and arrive in a small, dilapidated town, where they meet the villainous Doc Shabbitt, [Matt Clark], and ask for directions. He suggests they stay in a deserted local building, but McKaskel senses danger, so they leave. Shabbitt steals two of their horses.

Con Vallian, [Sam Elliott], is chasing a mixed-race Native American, the latest recruit to Shabbitt’s gang whom he has tracked for hundreds of miles for personal reasons. Vallian witnesses the homesteader’s encounter with Shabbitt and arrives at the McKaskels’ wagon, informing them that their horses have been stolen. Against Susanna’s advice, Duncan rides into town to reclaim the horses. An intense gunfight erupts when Vallian, who has secretly followed him, shoots some of Shabbitt’s gang. When Doc Shabbitt learns that his son, who was about to shoot McKaskel in the back, has been killed, he vows to pursue the family and seek revenge.

Susanna, Duncan, and Tom flee in their covered wagon, trying to outrun their pursuers. Vallian continues to help protect them from Shabbitt and his gang. Vallian manages to kill the bandits one by one, but a remaining four persist in the chase. Vallian is obviously attracted to Susanna, and she to him. After a moment of high drama, she succumbs to his advances, and they share a passionate kiss.

McKaskel never learns of the kiss, but several times he tells Vallian, who is critical of his apparent pacifism, to back off. In an encounter with Native Americans, Susanna learns that her brother, an army officer, has likely been killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Out hunting, Vallian is ambushed and shot by the Native American. McKaskel removes the bullet, but Vallian runs a high fever and collapses on the trail. He is rescued and nursed back to health by Susanna.

Eventually, they arrive at the small cabin Susanna’s brother had built for them, on the spread where they intended to raise cattle. The family begins settling in, but Shabbitt and his gang arrive for their revenge. A showdown ensues in which Vallian and the McKaskels triumph. Vallian bids farewell to the family and leaves to resume his solitary life.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:39