| Director | Robert D. Webb |
|---|---|
| Budget | $1.1 million |
| Box office | $1.6 million |
The story of the peace mission from the U.S. cavalry to the Cheyenne Indians in Wyoming during the 1870s. The Cheyenne agree to leave their hunting grounds so that white settlers can move in to search for gold. Colonel Lindsay and land surveyor Josh Tanner are in charge of the resettlement, but the mission is threatened when Appearing Day, the sister of Little Dog and fiancée of Cheyenne tribesman American Horse, falls for Tanner.
When Appearing Day runs away to join Tanner at the fort, American Horse follows, seeking to kill him. He is captured, but later freed by Little Dog and the two ride off to the hills. Tanner, Col. Lindsay and a troop of soldiers go to the Cheyenne camp where Chief Broken Hand has agreed to sign a peace treaty. After the signing, a warrior rides up and throws down a knife with a white feather attached, a declaration of war by American Horse and Little Dog against all the soldiers. Tanner convinces the Chief to allow the matter to be resolved between themselves. Col. Lindsay calls out the full complement of cavalry. Appearing Day and Ann leave the fort to try and prevent more deaths. Col. Lindsay and the cavalry look for Little Dog and American Horse, preparing to fight with them. The Cheyenne gather on their side of the river. Lt. Ferguson takes troops to bring in Little Dog and American Horse but is told to not fire any shots. Col. Lindsay has the recall sounded and the troops return. Tanner goes out to speak with them. He asks Little Dog not to die and dishonour his father by breaking the treaty. Tanner offers to fight both of them but it will be one against two. Tanner tries to goad them into firing the first shot. Chief Broken Hand fires the first shot and kills American Horse, as he has shamed them. Appearing Day arrives and asks her brother to trust Tanner. Little Dog charges and is killed by the cavalry. Tanner goes to his body and shows his respect for him by placing the reins of his horse in his hand. Tanner tells the colonel that Appearing Day will be his wife. The Cheyenne return to their village.