| Director | John Farrow |
|---|---|
| Budget | $3 million |
| Box office | $4.1 million |
Homesteader Angie Lowe and her six-year-old son Johnny are doing chores when soldier Hondo Lane arrives with his dog, carrying his saddle bags and rifle. He was riding dispatch for the U.S. Army Cavalry, had an encounter with Native Americans and lost his horse. Hondo offers to work for a while to earn a horse, and Angie agrees. Angie repeatedly says that her husband is away herding cattle, but Hondo realizes he has been gone a long time. Hondo encourages her to pack up and return with him to the Army fort, since the treaty with the Apache was broken and they are planning a war; Angie believes her friendship with the Apache will keep her safe. That night, she remembers hearing Hondo killed three men. She threatens him with an unloaded gun; he loads it for her.
Hondo mentions that he once lived among the Apache and had an Apache wife who is now dead. He then kisses a confused Angie, who reminds him of his wife, and leaves for the fort. The Apaches later come to the ranch, led by Chief Vittorio and Silva. When Silva touches Angie, Johnny gets her gun and shoots at him. Though he misses, Vittorio is impressed with his bravery and makes him a blood brother, naming him Small Warrior. Vittorio instructs Angie to care for him well as he is now an Apache warrior, telling her his own boys were killed by the White man.
At the fort, Hondo sees fellow scout Buffalo Baker. He reports to the major that C Troop was wiped out by Apaches and has a rude introduction to Ed, a settler angry that the cavalry is not better protecting the settlers. In a saloon, Hondo gets into a fight with Ed, whom he later learns is Ed Lowe, whom Hondo realizes is Angie's absentee husband. Meanwhile, Vittorio tells Angie he thinks her husband is dead, that Small Warrior needs a dad, and her lodge needs a man. Vittorio tells Angie she is to choose an Apache brave as a husband if her husband does not return before the "planting rains."
The next morning, Ed accuses Hondo of stealing his horse, seeing the "EL" brand. Hondo acknowledges that it does belong to Ed, and that he will be returning it to the latter's house. His friends defend Hondo, who leaves to return the horse to the ranch. Upset about the fight and horse, Ed follows Hondo to bushwhack him. While camped, Hondo is set upon by the Apaches, who also attack Ed. An Indian is about to kill Ed, but Hondo shoots him, saving Ed's life. As Hondo watches the last Apache ride off, Ed moves to shoot him in the back, but Hondo kills him before he can kill Hondo. Hondo sees Ed was clutching a photograph of Johnny, which he takes. The Apache capture and torture Hondo for information about the cavalry's movements. When Vittorio sees Johnny's photo, he decides to subject Hondo to a one-on-one fight to the death with Silva, whose brother Hondo killed. Hondo is victorious, but lets Silva live. The Apache drop Hondo off at the ranch, where Angie lies about him being her husband. Vittorio threatens him to raise Small Warrior well. After they leave, Silva kills Sam, Hondo's dog.
Hondo attempts to reveal the truth of Ed's death, but is interrupted by Vittorio's return. The chief says that the pony soldiers will come. He asks Hondo to mislead the cavalry as a test; Hondo refuses to lie, and Vittorio is satisfied. Angie admits she loves Hondo, and they kiss. The next day, the cavalry troops arrive and expect Angie to leave. She and Hondo refuse. While they camp, another scout wants Hondo's rifle, and says he will tell Angie what happened to Ed if Hondo refuses. Hondo punches him, but Angie overhears. The cavalry leaves to collect nearby settlers, but Hondo remains with Angie and Johnny.
Hondo prepares to go, but first tells Angie the truth about Ed's death. He also wants to tell Johnny, but she persuades him not to, admitting that she did not love Ed any longer, and she knew what sort of a man he was. She says telling Johnny the truth now would be unkind, and the secret will not follow them to Hondo's ranch in California. Hondo responds to her plea with an Indian word that seals an Apache wife-seeking ceremony, Varlebena, which he says means "forever".
The troops return to the ranch with the settlers, having killed Vittorio in a battle, but with their commanding officer badly wounded. While the Apache regroup, Hondo, Angie, and Johnny join the wagon train and head for the fort. The Apaches catch up, killing several soldiers; Hondo takes charge of the troop and counterattacks. Hondo kills the new leader, Silva, and the Apaches retreat to decide on a new leader, giving the settlers and soldiers a chance to escape. The wagon train regroups and proceeds to the fort with Hondo remaining in command.