Set in America's Colonial period, John Ford's adventure narrative follows Gilbert (Henry Fonda) and Lana Martin (Claudette Colbert) since they try to survive the rugged frontier. After their settlement is repeatedly attacked by Indians, the bunch will be drawn in by a spinster (Edna May Oliver). Although Gilbert heads to fight with Indians and the British, a young child is born by lana. He returns, wounded, to get his family yet again under attack by the Indians.