A brilliant observation of turbulent times in the mighty 'Iron Ore State' of Western Australia. The fortunes of four men and four families over forty years are traced: the prosperous 50s, idylic and carefree; the turbulent 60s when youth is caught up in the Vietnam War and free love; the avaricious 70s with its rise of aggressive new young entrepreneurs and the corrupt 80s. The characters tell the story - a environmentalist battling to save the Pilbara; a Vietnam Vet who finds he can rise above crippling injuries; and an ambitious geologist and a hard core businessman join forces.