The film is a respectful telling of the 1877 campaign in Wyoming to contain the Indians by persuading them to leave the plains, sign the treaty of peace, and move to a new land in the south
Wagner who affirms to colonel John Lund in charge of Fort Laramie that he has no feeling about Indians, makes Indians friends, particularly with two young warriors Little Dog and American Horse...
Complications arise when Chief Broken Hand's daughter Appearing Day (Debra Paget) engaged to American Horse falls in love with Tanner (Wagner) and he with her
Tanner's friendship with Little Dog grows slowly but surely
It is one of the most enduring traits of the film, having just the right amount of momentum, frustration and humor...
Jeffrey Hunter steals the show with a great performance of the proud warrior Little Dog whose pen does not fit Cheyenne warriors' hand as well as the arrow
Little Dog's blood ran hot at the council, gets angry and chooseswith his pal American Horse to meet the troops in battle
Eduard Franz is superb as the venerable Indian chief, Broken Hand, who called the council to tell them that on this day, they have agreed to take the offer of the white man and leave this country
Hugh O'Brian is well chosen as Hunter's best friend, American Horse
Noah Beery does one of his better work as the obedient cavalry lieutenant
Debra Paget reprises her role as the radiant Indian girl Appearing Day who would be happy in a white man's world
We all remember her role as the delicate Indian healer girl Sonseeahray in Delmer Daves' memorable Western "Broken Arrow."
Robert D. Webb captures splendid panoramic shots that site expansive stretches of green fields and blue skies
Webb does provide a handful of transcendent moments, the most spellbinding of which is Tanner's participation in honoring his brave friend
