There is a current but fragile peace with the Apaches. President Grant is sending General Conway to Fort Apache to help assure those settlers traveling West have safe and open trails. But the President wants the General to deal with the Indians with diplomacy. And Grant wants the General to talk with the Indians, in particular Chief Camosun.
Sgt. O'Hara can't believe Grant sent Conway who is known to be a shoot first commander. Major Swanson wants Rip to take a patrol and visit the various Indian villages to be sure there are no problems and that all are ready for a pow wow. Unfortunately Rip makes a mistake: he decides he will visit Chief Camosun last.
Leading his troop, Conway comes upon Camosun's village and orders his men to attack; over the objection of his Captain who sees a peaceful village in front of him.
In the village, Little Bear is questioning his father Chief Camosun that perhaps he is soft in desiring peace. Camosun says if the White Man has peace in his heart, Camosun will listen; but if it is war, then Camosun is ready. But unexpected the troopers charge with the command to burn down the village. There are casualties but Little Bear hides.
Rip comes upon the destroyed village and is stunned. There are bodies everywhere, and one of Conway's colors is found in the wreckage. Rusty and Rinty find Little Bear but Little Bear says the White Man's words are empty. Rusty says he knows how Little Bear feels. Rusty's parents were killed by Indians, but Rusty knows there are good and truthful Indians just as there are White Men who lie. Rip apologizes to Little Bear and hopes he will come to Fort Apache with him.
At the fort, Conway is defending his actions and promises he can do even more to destroy the Indians. He plans his version of shock and awe. The Apache are not planning to roll over and send a message: The Indians are now planning a war.
Little Bear is upset because he knows his father wants peace. Rip wants to return Little Bear to his father but Conway wants to hold him as a prisoner. Rip is disgusted and offers to resign his commission. Rusty intends to help by writing to President Grant and sends Rinty with the message.
Grant who is traveling in the West knows that Conway attacked Camosun and is worried he made a mistake by sending Conway. Rinty gets his message through, Grant reads the letter about Rip and Conway.
Rip is getting ready to leave as he won't fight his friend Camosun. Before he can leave Rip is told he has one more duty; to prepare a troop as guards for President Grant. Conway is sure that Grant is coming to congratulate him. Rusty and Little Bear sneak out to see Grant. Conway is already trying to convince Grant that Camosun wants only war. But Grant is angry and tells Conway to return to Washington and await his court-martial for the massacre.
Rusty and Little Bear address the President who accepts Little Bear's words that his father wants to meet the Great White Father. All ends well and I admire the themes explored which certainly over our heads in some areas but over and over was the message of mutual respect for different cultures and need for honest and clear communication. I just am not sure it sunk in.
Sgt. O'Hara can't believe Grant sent Conway who is known to be a shoot first commander. Major Swanson wants Rip to take a patrol and visit the various Indian villages to be sure there are no problems and that all are ready for a pow wow. Unfortunately Rip makes a mistake: he decides he will visit Chief Camosun last.
Leading his troop, Conway comes upon Camosun's village and orders his men to attack; over the objection of his Captain who sees a peaceful village in front of him.
In the village, Little Bear is questioning his father Chief Camosun that perhaps he is soft in desiring peace. Camosun says if the White Man has peace in his heart, Camosun will listen; but if it is war, then Camosun is ready. But unexpected the troopers charge with the command to burn down the village. There are casualties but Little Bear hides.
Rip comes upon the destroyed village and is stunned. There are bodies everywhere, and one of Conway's colors is found in the wreckage. Rusty and Rinty find Little Bear but Little Bear says the White Man's words are empty. Rusty says he knows how Little Bear feels. Rusty's parents were killed by Indians, but Rusty knows there are good and truthful Indians just as there are White Men who lie. Rip apologizes to Little Bear and hopes he will come to Fort Apache with him.
At the fort, Conway is defending his actions and promises he can do even more to destroy the Indians. He plans his version of shock and awe. The Apache are not planning to roll over and send a message: The Indians are now planning a war.
Little Bear is upset because he knows his father wants peace. Rip wants to return Little Bear to his father but Conway wants to hold him as a prisoner. Rip is disgusted and offers to resign his commission. Rusty intends to help by writing to President Grant and sends Rinty with the message.
Grant who is traveling in the West knows that Conway attacked Camosun and is worried he made a mistake by sending Conway. Rinty gets his message through, Grant reads the letter about Rip and Conway.
Rip is getting ready to leave as he won't fight his friend Camosun. Before he can leave Rip is told he has one more duty; to prepare a troop as guards for President Grant. Conway is sure that Grant is coming to congratulate him. Rusty and Little Bear sneak out to see Grant. Conway is already trying to convince Grant that Camosun wants only war. But Grant is angry and tells Conway to return to Washington and await his court-martial for the massacre.
Rusty and Little Bear address the President who accepts Little Bear's words that his father wants to meet the Great White Father. All ends well and I admire the themes explored which certainly over our heads in some areas but over and over was the message of mutual respect for different cultures and need for honest and clear communication. I just am not sure it sunk in.
