The main character of the film, a Union soldier named William, is released from a Confederate prison at the end of the Civil War. He decides to travel to Missouri with a fellow prisoner, named Henry, who he has befriended during their captivity. On the way, the two men experience many hardships, including starvation, thirst, and exhaustion.
When they finally reach Missouri, they are stopped by a group of men who accuse Henry of stealing a horse. Despite William's protests, Henry is shot and hanged for his alleged crime. William is devastated by his friend's death and decides to take his belongings, including a message for his sister, to Henry's family ranch in California.
Upon arriving at the ranch, William is warmly welcomed by Henry's sister, who is intrigued by the stories of her brother's adventures during the war. As they spend time together, William and Henry's sister begin to develop romantic feelings for each other.
However, William's past comes back to haunt him when he starts experiencing vivid flashbacks and nightmares of the war. He is haunted by the memories of the battles he fought, the friends he lost, and the atrocities he witnessed. His struggles threaten to drive a wedge between him and Henry's sister, who tries to understand and help him overcome his demons.
The film California explores themes of grief, trauma, and healing in the aftermath of war. It is a poignant story about the long-lasting effects of conflict and the power of love to overcome even the most profound pain and sorrow.