Breaking Tom

The bank manager Granger is in league with Kit. They aim to break Tom and take over his property, keeping him as free labor. Kit makes Tom paint the flood damaged house on his own and drag a single blade plough to form a vegetable patch. He whips him into obedience. He hides Tom’s rifle and locks all doors. Land grabber Sawyer buys up the neighbours all round Tom’s property and then tries to force him into selling. Drought adds to his woes. Sawyer arrives at night with his henchman Joe. Tom wounds Joe and Kit wounds Sawyer, who falls and is trampled to death by stampeding cattle. Another attempt to take over Tom’s property fails when Tom wounds two of Sawyer’s men.

When the magistrate visits Tom’s property, Granger warns Kit he’s on the way. Kit hides Tom in a tree, from which he escapes just too late to stop the magistrate’s departing car. Kit convinces the magistrate that all is well and Tom is fencing in the hill country where no vehicle can reach. The magistrate agrees that Kit can run the property for a further six months. Kit sees off Tom’s Aboriginal friends at the point of a gun. Tom tries to run away but Kit catches him and drags him back to the house. Kit forces Tom to fight him, using army skills. Tom tricks Kit into following him on horseback and colliding with a low branch, unknown to Kit. Tom brings Kit to hospital from where he escapes, to join up with Granger. Granger disappears from the bank with all the money and shares certificates.

Tom traces Granger but is trapped. Kit kills Granger. Tom overcomes Kit. Tom repossesses his stolen money. Tom is welcomed home by his Aboriginal friend. Sally appears to claim her prize. Tom has evolved from a trusting, naïve boy to a hardened, resourceful man.