This disappointing Warner Bros western adapted from an excellent novel by Ernest Haycox (who also wrote Stagecoach's source story) is seriously hampered by poor casting. The urbane Ray Milland looks uncomfortable out west, and here fails to convince as a disgraced coward, looking generally peeved rather than seething with inner rage. He's not helped by a sub-par supporting cast and a totally inadequate leading lady (in Helena Carter), a deficiency not unusual in Warners' westerns of the 1950s. Nevertheless, the exterior Technicolor location photography is impressive, and the action scenes, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn, well staged within obvious budgetary limitations. Dmitri Tiomkin's score is nice, too.

Old enemies stationed together at an Army post vie for the same woman.