1970s Australian Western based on the life of outlaw Dan Morgan (Dennis Hopper), an Irish emigrant whose failed attempts at gold-mining led to a spree of violent crime in 1850s Australia. Having arrived in Australia with the hope of making his fortune, Morgan is pushed to desperation by his failure to strike it rich. He turns to highway robbery and suddenly finds himself serving a lengthy term in prison. Forced to do hard labour and abused by his guards, upon his release Morgan is a different man - Mad Dog Morgan. He embarks on a spree of terror and robbery, aided by a young Aboriginal called Billy (David Gulpilil), and quickly gains the status of legend. But how long will Mad Dog be able to avoid the law? Especially when he takes the decision to seek personal revenge on those who have wronged him...