In 1843, a widowed Missouri senator (Kirk Douglas) sought to carve out a new existence, and spearheaded a wagon train across the Oregon Trail. His pioneer party--including an embittered, infirm scout (Robert Mitchum) and a desperate dirt farmer (Richard Widmark)--faced harrowing challenges from angered Sioux, stampeding buffalo, and the unforgiving elements. Sprawling take on the A.B. Guthrie novel co-stars Lola Albright, Harry Carey, Jr., Jack Elam, and, in her big-screen debut, Sally Field. AKA: "Harold Hecht's The Way West." 122 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English; theatrical trailer.