Spanning nearly 40 years from 1925 to 1964, two Texas farm boys; straight-arrow Gid and laid-back Johnny fight over the affections of the beautiful and headstrong Molly Taylor, who consistently refuses to marry either of them.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Anthony PerkinsGid | Gid |
 Beau BridgesJohnny | Johnny |
 Blythe DannerMolly Taylor | Molly Taylor |
 Edward BinnsMr. Frye | Mr. Frye |
 Susan SarandonSarah | Sarah |
| CConard FowkesEddie | Eddie |
| CClaude TraverseMr. Taylor | Mr. Taylor |
| JJohn Henry FaulkMr. Grinsom | Mr. Grinsom |
 Marilyn BurnsSarah / Molly (uncredited) | Sarah / Molly (uncredited) |
| RRichard Ray LeeSheriff (uncredited) | Sheriff (uncredited) |
 Paul A. PartainWilly (uncredited) | Willy (uncredited) |