The Outlaw Josey Wales is a 1976 Western film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. The film's story is based on the novel "Gone to Texas" by Forrest Carter. In the film, Josey Wales is a peaceful farmer in Missouri during the Civil War, who becomes a gun-slinging outlaw after his family is killed by a group of Union soldiers led by Captain Terrill. Wales joins a group of Confederate soldiers who refuse to surrender and heads to Texas. He is pursued by a relentless group of Union soldiers.
Despite his desire to travel alone, Wales is accompanied by a group of misfits and outcasts, including an elderly woman named Grandma Sarah, a young Navajo man named Lone Watie, a spirited young woman named Laura Lee, and a group of other people who are drawn to his courage and leadership. Along the way, the group encounters various dangers, including hostile Native Americans and bandits.
As they travel, Wales becomes increasingly disillusioned with the ongoing violence and bloodshed of the Civil War, and seeks to build a new life for himself and his companions. He also seeks revenge against Captain Terrill and his men, who continue to pursue him.
The film's themes include redemption, survival, and the struggle for justice in a lawless land. It features strong performances from Eastwood and the supporting cast, as well as memorable action scenes and a sweeping score by Jerry Fielding. The Outlaw Josey Wales is widely considered to be one of the best Westerns of all time and is a classic of the genre.