Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke, played by John Wayne, is stationed in Texas to protect settlers from Apache raids. He struggles with the challenge of having to defend an extensive stretch of territory with a small number of troops. Compounding his troubles is the arrival of his estranged son Jeff Yorke, played by Claude Jarman Jr., who is one of the new recruits to the regiment.
Adding intensity to the situation is Kirby's ex-wife Kathleen, played by Maureen O'Hara, who comes to the fort to persuade Jeff to leave the army and return to civilian life. Kirby and Kathleen must navigate their complicated relationship as Jeff faces the realities of army life and the dangers of frontier warfare.
As the Apache attacks escalate, Kirby must lead his troops into battle while grappling with the emotional turmoil of his personal life. Along with maintaining order and defending his territory, Kirby also hopes to reconcile with his son.
The film is directed by John Ford and is part of his unofficial "cavalry trilogy," which also includes "Fort Apache" and "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." The movie features stunning location shots, impressive battle sequences, and touching moments of familial reconciliation amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Wild West.