Plot: In New Mexico Territory in 1852 a small detachment of cavalry replacement troops ride into their new post on the Colorado River and find it being attacked by Ute Indians. Only nine of the original complement survive, including the slain commanding officer's daughter, Laura Evans (Piper Laurie); the new commander, arrogant Lieutenant Wayne Ford (Rex Reason0, and prisoner Brett Halliday (Dana Andrews), a renegade soldier who deserted his command two years previously to join the Ute, who he thought were being mistreated. Captain Harper (William Talman),realizing the Ute will strike again, wants to escape overland, but Halliday knows Indian customs, and advises in favor of taking flatboats down the river.
Alternative Plot: An Army deserter (Dana Andrews) and his girlfriend (Piper Laurie) shoot Grand Canyon rapids with his cavalry captors, chased by Indians.
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