Universal contract star Jeff Chandler created a tremendous impression as the native American chief Cochise in the remarkably liberal (for its time) Broken Arrow over at Fox. Here he reprises the role in another sympathetic western, which deals primarily with Apache warrior Geronimo, played by native American actor Jay Silverheels, who is best known as the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto on TV and in a brace of feature films. Intelligent writing and performances make up for the lack of political depth, and there's a splendid staging of the battle. Western fans won't be disappointed.

Major Jim Colton is a sympathetic leader who has a working relationship with Apache leader Cochise. Colton is undermined by corrupt and politically ambitious Indian agent Neil Baylor who sets up a false attack, and the abduction of a local farmer's son. While Colton is away investigating the matter, Baylor convinces Lieutenant Bascom that Cochise's band is to blame, and incites him to lead an expedition against the Apache band to return the boy.