DALLAS - The Early Years

Original Broadcast Date March 23, 1986 - CBS

Running Time - 3 Hours

Prequel to the popular "Dallas" TV series focuses on the origins of the Ewing-Barnes feud during the 1930's. Larry Hagman provides the opening narration for the film. The story opens at a 1951 barbecue with "Digger" Barnes (David Grant) firing a shot at "Jock" Ewing (Dale Midkiff). Immediately flashing back to the depression, the two men first meet in a boxcar as both are hoboing. Their original friendship is built on their desires to find oil. But their failings start as they both compete for the hand of the beautiful Miss Ellie (Molly Hagan). Jock is shown to be an honorable man caught up in a backlash. Digger is a neurotic, alcoholic with a gift for finding oil.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depressions - Dallas The Early Years chronciles the romance, danger and intrigue found amongst the rough and tumble wild cat oil-fields of Texas.

It follows the two passions in Jock Ewing's life: the first is for oil: the second is for Miss Eliie, the fiancee of his partner and best friend, Digger Barnes. As he battles against both the Ku Klux Klan and his heart to carve a furure for himself, an adventure unfolds that's as big as Texas itself.