This is the northern range
country of Wyoming. The year is 1877. What you are about to see
actually happened. The only difference will be
that when the Indians speak... they will speak in our language
so that you can understand them. My name is Josh Tanner. I'm taking a shortcut to Fort Laramie. I shouldn't be here.
This is Cheyenne country. Whoa. Whoa, boy. Easy, boy. Easy. He is either a fool or he has courage. The blood is new.
He is a fool to think we are gone. No. He thinks we are here... and he wants us to know this. This is a good game. But if he crosses our river, shoot. We will see if his gods are with him. It was a good game. Perhaps next time he will not win. Look what's coming. - Where did you find that body?
- At 20-Mile Creek. - That's in Cheyenne country.
- I know that. - What were you doing there?
- I was on my way here. Take him to headquarters. Oh, I, uh... I found these with him. Well, anybody who's getting impatient,
take a good look. He couldn't wait.
The peace commission was too slow for him. So he crossed over into Indian territory
and got what he deserved. I'm warning you. From now on... any man who crosses over
and gets back will wish he hadn't. The gold you're after will still be there
when the treaty is signed. But until then, the agreement is... we stay on our side of the river
and they stay on theirs! So far, they've stayed on theirs. But how long they will if violations
like this go on I can't promise you. - Are any of you friends of his?
- His name is Judd Smith. Take him and bury him. Oh. Here's what he died for. Anybody claiming it? You can start explaining yourself. Whatever you need to know,
sir, is in here. There's, uh, not much to explain. For your information, we're trying to get
a new treaty signed with the Indians. The Sioux, the Crow and the Blackfeet
are discussing it with us... but Chief Broken Hand
and his Cheyennes are holding out. I have no idea what they're gonna do.
We're sitting on a powder keg here. And people like you and that prospector seem
to be doing your best to blow the lid off. You can save the speeches, Colonel.
I'm not a private in your army. No, but you're at Fort Laramie
and I'm in charge here. Josh Tanner, huh?
Why did you come here, Mr. Tanner? - It says there.
- Answer the question. I have a contract with some
businessmen from St. Louis. - You mean gamblers?
- Because I dress like this? I just happen to prefer it to buckskin. You can't judge a man
by his clothes, can you? You should have had more sense
than to come alone... through Cheyenne country
at a time like this. I traveled at night
until the last day out. I certainly didn't want to go north,
then east down the Missouri... just to make a big, safe swing
through Pawnee country. You seem to know the territory. One of the reasons I got the contract.
My father was with a trading outfit. Until I went east to school, I walked
every foot of this country with him. You're authorized here
to stake out Black Hills country. That's right. - Another gold syndicate?
- Real estate. The gentlemen who hired me figured where there's
gold there will be a city sooner or later. And you intend to bypass gold
for real estate? I'm not a prospector, Colonel.
I'm a surveyor... hired to lay out a town site. Oh, a town builder.
Just a public-spirited citizen, is that it? Not at all. I'm being paid for it. The commissioners are waiting
for you at the council tree. Any sign of Broken Hand
or any of the Cheyennes? Not yet, sir. - And the government's new gifts are on display?
- They are, sir. All right, I'll be right down. I hope you enjoy your stay in Laramie.
It may be a long one. Broken Hand should have more consideration
for the gentlemen from St. Louis. Yes, and for the prospectors
of thieves and gamblers... that are just waiting to crawl all over his
territory the minute the treaty is signed. - You blame him for staying away?
- I never thought much about it. To me, Indians are Indians.
I have no feeling about them. I envy you that, Mr. Tanner. Good-day, Mr. Tanner. - Is the detail ready, Sergeant?
- Yes, sir. The colonel will be out in a minute. - Oh, Mr. Tanner.
- Yes? You know that all civilians are restricted
to this side of the river... till the council is finished? I believe the colonel mentioned that fact. This here's a white man's store. And if I never see another Injun around here,
it'll be soon enough for me. Run 'em off the land is what I say... like we should've run Red Cloud
off eight years ago... when he sat right in this room signing
that half-baked, misbegotten treaty... the one that's keeping
you prospectors tied down here... instead of out there where there's enough
gold laying right out on the ground... to pay for the whole Civil War. I beg your pardon. I'm looking for a room. See the daughter at the back. If I was you, I'd just buy repeaters
and enough ammunition. What are you doing here? - I'm sorry. I...
- Get out! Get out of here! - Your father sent me.
- He sent you? Yes, it was about a room.
He said to see the daughter at the back. This is a store, not a hotel.
We have no rooms. Well, anything with a roof
over my head would do. - Even a nice empty shelf someplace.
- You a faro dealer? You and the colonel. I'm a surveyor. I'll even call myself
a topographical engineer... if it'll get me
any closer to your bathtub. But, uh, since there's no room,
I'll run along. And I apologize for breaking in
on you like this. There... is the storeroom.
That's where the tub is. Bean sacks. This is the best bunk in the world.
They shift when you turn over. Say, this is a beauty. Did my father say anything to you about me
when you talked to him? No. No, he didn't.
Only that I was to ask you about the room. Many days we have waited... and Broken Hand and his Cheyennes
have not come to sit with us. I ask now that our friends, the Sioux... the Arapahos and the Blackfeet
sign the treaty without him. Indians! Cheyennes! Take cover! Colonel! Colonel,
those Indians should be hanged! Every last one of 'em should be hanged! - What charges would you file?
- Charges? Well, the... the brazenness
of this whole... the indignity of it! Is your lost dignity worth a war? No, I guess you're...
I guess you're right. We've lost so much face around here now... I guess this little
bit more won't kill us. Arapaho. Blackfeet. And not a Cheyenne in sight.
Do you come here often? Whenever I can. - I feel sorry for them.
- Why? Because your father hates them? It hasn't anything to do with him. It's the way they're pushed around. They haven't got a chance really,
and I think they know it. It must be like being all alone. I guess you'd know about that. Please behave naturally, Ann.
And don't feel too sorry for this outfit. They're Cheyennes. Don't turn around, Ann.
It'll mean we're afraid. That's what he wants. It looks better on him. How are you called? Josh Tanner. - How is she called?
- Her name is Ann. I am Little Dog. This one is my friend... American Horse. We are Cheyennes. I know this. You know then what this means? It means you have killed enemies. And I have killed white men too. She is your squaw? No. She is my friend. We'll go back to the fort now. It'll be all right.
A Cheyenne is a warrior. He's too proud to attack us
with our backs turned. Stay where you are. Ah. It makes the young chief's hair shine
like the wing of the raven. He is welcome to it. Two times I have held your life here. Two times you have won the game. I will remember both days with laughter. I'm glad he thought it was funny. - I didn't.
- I'm still scared. You know something? So am I. You were a big hero this afternoon,
the daughter tells me. Not at all. I was scared to death. - You followed her up there.
- Did she tell you that? I'm telling you that. You're the first one she's liked
since she was 13 years old. You're the first one. - But she don't have nothing to do with men, see?
- I know, I know. - How do you know? Did you try somethin'?
- No, I didn't try anything. Well, before you do,
you'd better know how it is with her. She ain't fit merchandise for marriage. It happened back a long time ago,
and it wasn't pretty. - I killed the man.
- You didn't have to tell me that. Well, it's true, and there's lots more
around here knows it too. You make sure of that, don't you? I tell everybody
that starts gettin' ideas. She don't have nothin' to do with men. If she sees many more like you,
I don't blame her. Oh. Ann. A message just came from the gate. There's a Cheyenne warrior
waiting to see you. - Will you walk down to the gate with me, Ann?
- Thank you. I'd like to. Josh Tanner. Have no fear. It is only my sister. She is called Appearing Day. We have brought something for you. - This is a very rich present.
- It is a small thing. I have come really
to welcome you to our village. Little Dog says welcome, but would
Chief Broken Hand say the same? - Is not my invitation good enough?
- I didn't mean that. Chief Broken Hand is my father. What I wish, he will wish. Do not come if you do not want... or if you are afraid. Look at this. Looks like you've found a friend.
Or should I say two? - You can say three if you want.
- Thank you. You call him a friend... maybe so... but I'd hate to have
an enemy that dangerous. My brother and American Horse
are waiting for you. - I will take you to them.
- I will walk with you. They are on the battleground.
They want you to see it. - Battleground?
- It is only practice. They say the white soldiers practice.
It is so? I'm afraid it is. Then that is why they must practice,
Little Dog says. There. You will see. Each arrow has a meaning.
Now is the signal to attack. Now the arrow tells the braves to retreat. American Horse. Little Dog. - I see Tanner was not afraid.
- I'm here. Our practice does not please you? I was hoping to see someone practicing
the signing of a peace treaty. - Peace treaty?
- We are Cheyennes. The treaty pen does not
fit our hand as well as the arrow. I've brought you something that... I'm sure you'll find will fit your hand
even better than the arrow. For my friend Little Dog... and for my friend American Horse. Ah. It has the sting of the arrow. - How is it called?
- A bowie knife. It is for hunting. It could be... for many things. Appearing Day will take the horses. I have things to show my friend. Your sister has much beauty. It is for that reason
she is very expensive. When a brave takes a bride,
he gives four... sometimes six ponies. But for Appearing Day, my father asks 200. Well, even at that price,
I'm sure there are many offers. Come. Now you will see the things
I have to show you. Did I scare you? I just came down to wash up for dinner. - There will be a war dance in your honor.
- Oh? These berries are for the feast. Oh, here, smell. - It is like the forest.
- They call it pine tree soap. You may have it. Keep it. It's yours. - May I kiss you thank you?
- What was that? - May I kiss you thank you?
- I'm not sure I understand. When I was little, there were sometimes
white boys in the camp... and they would have a birthday
and we would make presents. They told me I must always
kiss for each present. Did they tell you that was
the custom of the white man? Yes. Is it not true? Well, yes, it is true. Many people kiss
when they receive presents. Then, please, I will like it. Indian boys do not kiss Indian girls. I do not know why not. It is very nice in feeling. I would like it again, please, but longer. - Josh wishes more?
- Thank you. It's a feast I won't forget.
But I'd hoped to meet Broken Hand. My father returns tomorrow. May I come back? Do you come as a friend... or do you come to speak
the cause of the white soldier? I come in friendship. Then you are welcome. I will be here. But now
I must say good night. - We will ride with you to the river.
- I can find my way. - No. You must let them.
- To ride alone is dangerous. We must protect you from the Cheyennes. I will say good night now. And thank you. And to you, for these. - How are they called?
- Bowie knives. We have given you nothing. You've given me your friendship. That is not enough.
Tanner will hear from us. I am thinking of horses, Little Dog... and the fine ones in the Crow village. Come. Tanner will have his present. Hyah! Here's why I sent for you, Mr. Tanner.
He's yours. Two young Cheyennes brought him in.
They said you'd know what it was about. - Are they still here?
- No, they didn't stay but hardly a second. Almost seemed like they was in a hurry. Boy, he sure is a beauty, isn't he? He sure is. Do not be afraid. They are only Crows. Why were they after me?
I was on my side of the river. It is simple.
This horse we gave you, it is theirs. Thanks. You almost got me killed. You do not understand. It is American Horse
and me they wish to kill. - We stole the pony.
- Uh-huh. What are we supposed to do now?
Wait here while they kill you, or do we fight? Fight? Ha! Fight Crows?
It is beneath Cheyennes to fight Crows. I will send them a challenge. We'll see if their horses match ours. Crows! Little Dog! Up here! - You ride a fine new horse.
- Thanks to your brother and American Horse. We played a game with them.
It was good sport. - Did you win the game?
- Who could lose to Crows? I almost did. - Broken Hand.
- My father. What's the matter? Everyone else in the village is happy
and excited tonight. Why aren't you? Tonight my father will tell his decision. If it is war, I will be sad. If it is peace, we must move,
and I will not like that. Well, if you... if you do move,
you'll still be with your father... and your brother and your friends. The lady who came to the fort gate
with you, she is your woman? No. I have no woman. She is very beautiful. To marry her will cost many horses. As many as 200, do you think? My father asks to see you. Come with me. My father. Chief Broken Hand. My son has told me of you. He has said you come as a friend.
Is this true? That is true. Then you are welcome here. You will come to the council
and sit with us. It is my wish. The white one is here as our friend. My son, Little Dog... will tell those who need to be told. It is the time of deciding. I have listened to all that has been said. I have thought long thoughts. In the time of our fathers... there were two great herd
of buffalo across this land. Then... when we were young warriors... there became only one herd of buffalo. And now our sons for many moons... have hunted for the buffalo
which is no longer... as it was in this land. It is gone. Our neighbors, the Sioux... the Blackfeet and the Arapaho know this. I have called this council
to tell you that on this day... they have agreed to take
the offer of the white man... and leave this country. So if we stay in this, our land... we will have to fight
the white man alone... and without meat in our bellies... to give us the strength to fight. Our young men are brave! We will fight! Our young men are brave... but if we stay in these hills,
they will be killed. They will all die. This I know. So, the decision is made. We will sign this treaty with the white. We will leave this land for
the new land in the south. We will take our horses... and our lodges and our weapons. But we will never again use these weapons
to kill our Indian enemies... or the white man. That is over. The killing is ended. Ha! Tanner. You will wait for me in my lodge. I will speak with you there. It is best that he goes. Things must now be said
that cannot be said before him. It is my wish that you tell
the leader of the white soldiers... - what you have heard here.
- I will. If he brings the paper saying
the things I have said... tell him I will put my mark on it. Is that all? Sit down, my friend. Little Dog was angry. His blood ran hot at the council. Does this mean that he will refuse
to go with you when you move away? I do not know this. In the days of my youth,
I would have stayed. His blood is my blood. If Little Dog asks all the young warriors
not to go with you... but to stay and fight, will they do this? I am chief of all the Cheyennes. My son would have to kill me to prevent me
from leading my people south. He will not kill me. But tonight he will decide
what he will do... for he's gone to the lodge of
the medicine man alone. You are his friend. Would you go to him there? His deciding may mean his whole life. I will go to Little Dog. Where is the lodge of the medicine man? Josh... Little Dog is my brother and I love him. I pray he will listen to you. Little Dog? Why did you come here? I came to say good-bye to my friend. You should not have heard
those words spoken this night. That was not Cheyenne talk...
It was the talk of women! Little Dog doesn't have
to prove his courage. It is known by the white man
and by the Cheyenne. It is known at Little Bighorn
and amongst the Sioux and the Crow... that there is no warrior
who has more bravery than Little Dog. But he must now show
that he is also wise... as wise as the old warriors. My father has spoken of me to you. He doesn't want his son to die. He would die here if he were not old!
I know this. The chief of all the Cheyennes
must think for all his people. Little Dog knows that it is not fear that
speaks within his father, but wisdom. Then I do not like wisdom! Would Tanner go south with
the women and the old ones? I don't know, Little Dog. Yes, I think I would
go south if I were you. Sometimes there is a change. We don't see the reason
for it, but it's there. These things are easy for Tanner to say... because he is a white man. Then let the white man go south. We are not farmers... We are Cheyennes! And hunters! And fighters! I will go into the hills by myself. The spirits will tell me what to do. They will not lie to me. He went in the hills
to speak with the spirits. Josh... would you tell me something
to help me understand? I'll try. My father has said that
if we stay here, we will die. The lady at the fort... She can live in our land
and she will not have to die. No. And you will not have to die? I have thought of it, and I cannot understand
why there must be this difference. I don't think even the spirits
have an answer to that. Maybe if... if we could live
in the white man's world... there would be no more talk of dying. Many white people have come here. Behind them, they must have
left a great empty space. So if... if they no longer
want this place... maybe the Cheyennes
could go there and live. You will tell me if this can be done? Would you be happy in a white man's world? I would try. Yes, I would be happy. I'd give a great deal if
I could help Appearing Day. I believe this. Hard to believe that it's all over. Did he say how soon he'd be ready to sign? I imagine the sooner the better, sir. Yeah, I suppose so. Some of the other tribes have
already started to move out. Well, I'll be glad to see the end of it. I'm sure it's been worse for Broken Hand. I know it has. I feel sorry for him. You told me once you had no feeling
about the Indians. You've changed. Sometimes you learn things
in spite of yourself, sir. Good night, Mr. Tanner. Oh, Mr. Tanner. Thanks. Maybe it was only your vest I didn't like. Good night, sir. You will not have her. She's mine! She's promised to me. I'll kill you! Sentry! Guard! Run him down there! Get him down to the guardhouse. - You hurt?
- No, I don't think so. - Who was it?
- One of the Cheyennes. I can't understand it. I don't know why. There's a Pawnee scout dead, sir.
That Cheyenne knifed him. And it looked for a good three minutes
as though something might be settled. We'll have to hold the Indian.
Nothing else we can do. Yes, sir. - Ann.
- Josh. That Indian girl is here. Here? She's waiting for you. Appearing Day is here? She said you told her she should come. I told her, but I didn't say
anything about... So that's why American Horse tried to...
Where is she? She's in your room. Appearing Day,
you shouldn't have come here. You wished to help, you said.
I think you meant it. But you didn't tell me you were promised
to American Horse. There's been much trouble. I did not tell you of
American Horse because... what was in his heart was not in mine. The word of my father was given,
but not my word. But American Horse thinks I stole you.
He came here. He tried to kill me. And now they've locked him
in the stockade. American Horse was wrong
to do this. I have chosen. I will stay here. This is where I will make my life. Bundle her up
and I'll take her back to her people. I have no people. When I left our village, I told my father. Now I am dead to all of them. Appearing Day, you don't just move in
like this. Things aren't done that way. Josh, she's left her people.
You can't turn her out. - Get that squaw out of here.
- I'll decide that. You can stay here, at least for now. I'll find a place to sleep outside. Go to sleep, Appearing Day.
We'll talk about it in the morning. We'll work this out somehow. Appearing Day. I scare you? You told me to sleep,
but I could not sleep. I have done wrong. I have made much trouble for you. It wasn't your fault. I should've explained.
I should've made you understand. Now I do understand. There is no love in your heart for me. You're wrong, Appearing Day. There is much love in my heart for you. You must go to bed now. This time I will sleep. - Josh?
- Yes. Appearing Day, you better stay
here inside. It'll be safer. - Josh is going away?
- Only for a little while. I'm going to see your father.
Is there anything you want me to say to him? All has been said. We know who the second killer was...
the one who made the rescue. It was your friend Little Dog.
One of the Pawnee scouts recognized him. Do you expect Broken Hand to turn his son
and American Horse over to you, Colonel? - We can't very well ignore two killings.
- Certainly we expect it. Then we may be making
this trip for nothing. Well, let's make it and find out...
with your permission, Mr. Tanner. Whoa! Well, it's started. The first of the tribes are moving south. Those are the Crow and the Blackfeet. Those are part of the Sioux
and the Arapaho tribes. That means the others are
probably moving out too... except for the Cheyennes. Heading for the promised land. I wonder how long
they'll be able to live on promises. You seem to have become quite attached to
the Indians, Mr. Tanner, one way or another. If this happened to you,
would you like it? Colonel, if he's to do any of
the talking with Broken Hand... it might be wise to keep
his attitude in mind. I will, sir. As well as the fact that
he's entitled to his own opinion. I'd like to talk to him first,
sir, if I may. If he'll listen to you. Chief Broken Hand, I would like to speak to
you first of your daughter, of Appearing Day. I have no daughter. She has chosen. Little Dog put his trust in me,
and because of that, so did you. We will speak of her no more. I will sign this treaty
because my word has been given. You will wait before the council table. Mr. Ferguson. - Have your twos and fours face about.
- Yes, sir. Twos and fours, rear lines forward!
Wheel about into line! Ho! Ones and threes, one line forward! Ho! - Maybe we should ask him to come to the fort.
- No, it's gotta be now. You're right, Colonel. It will bind
all those warriors to Broken Hand's word. If they can be held off till the signing. That's the chance we'll have to take. The colonel will give me the papers. Two soldiers were killed at our fort... One by American Horse
and one by your son, Little Dog. Are they here? We will talk of them
when the paper is signed. The promises you asked for,
Broken Hand, are written there. I will read them with you if you want. The treaty is now signed.
My people are bound by it. In the name of the government
of the United States... White feather. It is a challenge. My son and American Horse
are not bound by your paper. They have chosen to fight,
and they wait for you in the hills. - Just the two of them?
- This is their challenge. They expect you to honor it. You mean, American Horse and Little Dog
want to meet the troops in battle? - Two men?
- Yes. This is true. They are waiting. - This is insanity.
- If you ask me, the whole thing's a trick. Broken Hand signed the treaty.
He gave us his word. I'm inclined to trust Broken Hand... but not these young Cheyenne warriors. I can't take a chance on treachery. I'm sending to the fort
for the full complement. - Good.
- Shall I tell that to Broken Hand? It's only fair he knows it. If he's being
honest with us, he won't take offense. If he isn't, it'll be a fair warning. - Mr. Ferguson.
- Yes, sir. Send a dispatch rider to the fort.
Call out the full complement. Yes, sir. Broken Hand, the colonel's sending
for the full complement of cavalry. It is well. I will come out to see my son die. The family of American Horse
will want to see also that he dies well. All of my people will have
a right to be there... to see this and remember it. Perhaps the white man will have
something to remember too. Cavalry! Fall out! Little Dog has gone into the hills to die.
American Horse is with him. - And Josh?
- He's going out there. There may be much killing.
I must go to them. - If you can help, Ann...
- You keep out of this. Ain't no daughter of mine
helpin' any squaw, ya hear? Come on, Appearing Day.
I'm going with you. Hyah! Ho! - Troops "C" and "D" reporting, sir.
- Follow me. Ho! Well, if they're picking a place
for an ambush, they could do worse. They'll be waiting there. Broken Hand said they call it
the Valley of the Dead. Cavalry! Forward! We'll stay on the right side
and keep the wash between us... just in case. Well, there's the enemy. I don't remember anything
in the book that tells you... how to draw up a battle line
for a war like this. Mr. Ferguson! Here. Take your first rank up the hill
and bring them in. - Yes, si...
- Quietly. No shooting, please. Yes, sir. Forward! Ho! Rifles out! You're thinking of his father,
Broken Hand. And the warriors. Ho! He mustn't fire that gun. Bugler! Sound the recall! Hey! Ho! What else could I do, sir?
If I fired they... I know. That's what they wanted you to do. Well, maybe they'll stop playing
in a minute. I hope so. If this keeps up, it may have
the whole tribe joining them... and it won't be a game anymore. All right. I don't wanna use guns. We can't fire first
or we'll have a war on our hands. I'm going out there and talk
to Little Dog, Colonel. I doubt if American Horse will
let you get within talking distance. I think it's worth the chance.
They still want us to make the first move. Wait. Tanner comes to speak
for the white soldier. I'm here to speak for myself. I am here to fight, not to talk. Get your rifle, Tanner. I will fight Little Dog if that's what
he wishes, with a rifle or with a lance. - But I will talk first.
- This is a time for dying. - Get your rifle, Tanner.
- When I have talked! Little Dog and American Horse are still my
friends. I've done nothing to change that. Words have too many shadows. I want no more words. As your friend, Little Dog,
I'm here to ask you not to die. I will not go with the soldiers. I will die here. But I will not die alone. Is it your wish that many others die too? Is it your wish that
you dishonor your father? You dare say this. Broken Hand has given his word that
there'll be no more fighting by his people. Yet it is your wish that the Cheyenne
warriors break your father's word. It is better that Cheyennes
die like Cheyennes. The soldiers will not fire first... but I will go and get my rifle... and I'll come back to fight you. But there'll be no glory in it
for you, Little Dog... because that'll be one against two. Well, Mr. Tanner? I think the only solution is
for me to goad them into firing first. And hope that their first shots miss. You, American Horse!
Last night you wanted to kill me. What are you afraid of now? Or do you only kill at night? Stop. This is what the white ones want. Tanner, we are two against one. Send your soldiers to help you,
and we will shoot. I need no help. Does American Horse think I fear him? He is not a warrior...
He's a woman and afraid. What do I need with a rifle? I throw it away. I do not need it. American Horse has shamed us
before the white man. Little Dog will not do so. Pick up your gun, Tanner. You will pick up your gun
or I will throw mine away also... and we will fight before
them all to the death. - A scalp to the winner.
- Little Dog! You asked for death for yourself,
and that is your right... but to pronounce it on others is wrong. He has always spoken with
one heart and one tongue... and he has been faithful
to your friendship. Can you not be as faithful to him? Here he comes. Bring him down! Columns! Wheel about in the line! Ho! Well, Mr. Tanner, it's all over. I think we've seen
the last of the Indian wars. They'll be wanting to bury
their dead before they go. What about her?
She won't be going with them. No, she won't be. She's going with me. Appearing Day will be my wife. Column left! Forward! Ho! - Good luck, Mr. Tanner.
- Thank you. As I told you in the beginning,
this is a true story. We were married in the Methodist church
in Council Bluffs. Broken Hand lived to see his grandson
enter the military academy at West Point.
