During the Great Depression, Quebec Bill Bonhomme (Kris Kristofferson) is a bright-spirited farmer and alcohol smuggler. Anticipating a harsh winter, Quebec Bill embarks on a dangerous whiskey run to support his family and protect his farm. Accompanied by his son Wild Bill (Charlie McDermott), his brother-in-law Henry Coville (Gary Farmer) and ex-convict Rat Kinneson (William Sanderson), Quebec Bill journeys from Vermont to the Canadian wilderness.