Paul Newman directs and stars in this rough-and-tumble drama about Hank Stamper, who is trying to keep his family's logging business afloat despite the complications caused by his gruff father, Henry (Henry Fonda), and ne'er-do-well younger brother, Leeland (Michael Sarrazin). While Leeland becomes romantically involved with Viv (Lee Remick), Hank's neglected wife, Hank fights back against the violent tactics employed by the striking local union.