Young Willie is on the run, having fledhis small Texas farmafter the death of his father. A man named Loving takes him in, but when Loving dies, Willie re-christens himself Nat Love in tribute to his mentor, and heads west. In Deadwood, South Dakota territory, Nat becomes a Buffalo Soldier and is befriended by Wild Bill Hickok. After winning a famous shooting match, Nat's peerless marksmanship and charm earn him the nickname Deadwood Dick, as well as a beautiful woman. But the hellhounds are still on his trail. Nat heads south for a final, deadly showdown against those who would strip him of his home, his love, his freedom, and his life.