As the Civil War rages on, Charlie Anderson (played by James Stewart) tries to keep his family safe and his farm running in the midst of chaos and violence. He struggles to remain neutral and swears to keep his family out of the war, refusing to participate in the fighting.
However, when his youngest son, Jacob, is mistakenly taken prisoner by Union soldiers, Charlie must confront the reality of the war and make difficult decisions to try to bring his son home safely. Along the way, he faces challenges from both Union and Confederate forces, as well as struggles within his own family as they grapple with the impact of the war on their lives.
Through it all, Charlie remains steadfast in his beliefs and values, trying to protect his family and hold onto his principles in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the moral dilemmas of war, as Charlie and his family navigate the turbulent waters of the Civil War era.