When floods drive people out of their homes, they are willing to do anything to start life all over again. Along comes Phineas T. Flagg with an undeniable offer - 40 acres of land on Gunsmoke Ranch for just $ 2000, to be paid over a 20-year period. The people grab the offer;unmindful of the contents of the deed they sign. Unknown to them, Flag strikes a deal with the Government.