McCord’s gang robs the stage carrying money to pay Indians for their land, and the notorious outlaw “The Oklahoma Kid” Jim Kincaid takes the money from McCord. McCord stakes a “sooner” claim on land which is to be used for a new town; in exchange for giving it up he gets control of gambling and saloons. When Kincaid’s father runs for mayor, McCord incites a mob to lynch the old man whom McCord has already framed for murder.

It was the best time of their lives. A kid from Oklahoma. An immigrant’s daughter. A senator’s son, a society girl, and a college professor with a dream. They had one thing in common…the will to win. A group of college debaters learn about the world, friendships, love, dreams and family.

A young man (Cruise) leaves Ireland with his landlord’s daughter (Kidman) after some trouble with her father, and they dream of owning land at the big giveaway in Oklahoma ca. 1893. When they get to the new land, they find jobs and begin saving money. The man becomes a local barehands boxer, and rides in glory until he is beaten, then his employers steal all the couple’s money and they must fight off starvation in the winter, and try to keep their dream of owning land alive. Meanwhile, the woman’s parents find out where she has gone and have come to America to find her and take her back.