Wealthy rancher Bick Benedict and dirt-poor cowboy Jett Rink both woo Leslie Lynnton, a beautiful young woman from Maryland who is new to Texas. She marries Benedict, but she is shocked by the racial bigotry of the White Texans against the local people of Mexican descent. Rink discovers oil on a small plot of land, and while he uses his vast, new wealth to buy all the land surrounding the Benedict ranch, the Benedict's disagreement over prejudice fuels conflict that runs across generations.
Elizabeth Taylor
as Leslie Lynnton Benedict
Rock Hudson
as Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr.
James Dean
as Jett Rink
Carroll Baker
as Luz Benedict II
Jane Withers
as Vashti Synthe
Chill Wills
as Uncle Bawley
Mercedes McCambridge
as Luz Benedict
Dennis Hopper
as Jordan "Jordy" Benedict III
Sal Mineo
as Angel Obregón II
Rod Taylor
as Sir David Karfrey
Judith Evelyn
as Mrs. Nancy Lynnton
Earl Holliman
as 'Bob' Dace
