El Diablo 1990

Nettie is kidnapped; Billy Ray vows to rescue

In the rugged Texas town, El Diablo's gang invades during Billy Ray's classroom as he reads a story by Kid Durango. Nettie is kidnapped in the chaos, pushing Billy Ray toward rescue. He vows to enlist Kid Durango's help, even though he cannot ride or shoot.

Billy Ray arrives in Millennium to find J.D. Shones dead

Billy Ray travels by train to Millennium in search of Sheriff J.D. Shones, hoping for the legendary Durango’s aid. He discovers that Shones is already dead, killed by the town's current sheriff, who is then shot in the back by aging gunslinger Thomas Van Leek. The revelation exposes a web of loyalties the rescue will have to navigate.

Van Leek abandons Billy Ray after the confrontation

When Billy Ray explains his quest is for El Diablo, Van Leek mocks him as a fool and turns away, refusing to join the rescue. He later returns to save Billy Ray from bounty hunters who mistake him for the sheriff killer. This moment marks the start of a reluctant alliance.

Van Leek recruits a powder-keg crew

The aging gunslinger begins assembling a crack team using Diablo's spur as a calling card: Bebe Patterson, Autolycus, Zamudio, and Napier. Napier is killed and replaced by the Native American Dancing Bear in revenge for Napier's treatment of Bear's wife. The crew forms the core of the mission.

Retrieving Zamudio's dynamite and meeting Kid Durango

They retrieve Zamudio's hidden cache of dynamite, then stop at a saloon where Billy Ray finally meets Kid Durango. He learns Durango’s stories are not legends but retellings of Van Leek's exploits. The revelation unsettles Billy Ray's sense of right and wrong.

Showdown with Pestoso; Van Leek's support

Pestoso, one of El Diablo's men, confronts Billy Ray in a risky showdown. Though terrified, Billy Ray holds his ground until Van Leek snipes Pestoso from a bell tower. The moment demonstrates Van Leek's pragmatism and Billy Ray's dawning resolve.

Tree of Death rendezvous; Durango joins

Chak Mol assigns Billy Ray to meet the next morning at the Tree of Death, and Kid Durango decides to join the quest. The imminent confrontation sets a grim tone for the journey ahead. Durango's presence adds an uncertain but hopeful edge to the mission.

Captured at El Diablo's hideout; Nettie revealed as Rosita

Chak Mol escorts Billy Ray into El Diablo's hideout and Billy Ray is bound to a tree. El Diablo refuses to trade Nettie and reveals her as Rosita. Autolycus and Zamudio are killed, Bebe sacrifices himself as a distraction, and Dancing Bear and Van Leek unleash fire on Diablo's men before Diablo escapes with Nettie.

Gold discovery fuels Van Leek's motives

After the raid, Van Leek uncovers a hidden chest of gold, prompting Billy Ray to suspect that Van Leek values riches as much as Nettie's rescue. The discovery strains their partnership and sows doubt about the mission's true motive. Billy Ray resolves to finish Nettie's rescue regardless.

Billy Ray deserts Millennium to pursue Nettie alone

Disgusted by what he perceives as greed, Billy Ray leaves Millennium to search for Nettie on his own. He forges ahead with his mission, free of the others' immediate guidance. The split marks a turning point in their uneasy alliance.

Final chase; cave confrontation with El Diablo; Durango dies

Billy Ray chases Nettie into a cave, where El Diablo confronts him. Kid Durango appears to prove his heroism but is killed by Diablo, begging Billy Ray to finish the job. Though Durango dies, Billy Ray presses onward and refuses to be stopped.

Aftermath; Nettie returned; heroes buried; new book in mind

Billy Ray shoots El Diablo in the back, aided by Van Leek, and the remaining foes are subdued. The group buries their dead, pays respects to Kid Durango, and returns Nettie to her mother. The townspeople acknowledge Billy Ray's courage, while he and Van Leek discuss a possible new book series about their adventures.