The portrait of a golden-tongued evangelist who rises to power within his church while living a life of hypocrisy, sensuality, and ruthless self-indulgence.
In flight from the ever-encroaching forces of civilization, the aging hero Natty Bumppo has journeyed westward seeking to end his days in the wilderness of the Great Plains.
In turn-of-the-century San Francisco, McTeague opens a quack dental parlor. His wife's former suitor is jealous and exposes his malpractice. After his wife's murder, McTeague escapes to the desert.
Miss Fanny Price, the poor relation of a wealthy family, possesses only natural goodness to aid her against a witty and lovely rival as they compete for the man they both love.
