Texas McCoy, the main character, is stubborn and independent—a born loner, who prefers to live in an old adobe house rather than share a home with her sloppy mother and sister. After her grandfather dies, her grandmother, mother, and younger sister move into town, leaving Texas to fend for herself. They are certain that lack of money will soon force her to give in and join them. Texas desperately tries to raise the necessary funds to save the ranch but is unable to do so on her own.

It is ironic that just when things look hopeless, help is offered by other people. All her life, Texas has tried to solve her own problems, and she hates to depend on anyone. Nevertheless, the offer from a movie company for a portion of her land solves the most pressing monetary problems.

Yet the...