The saying "The White Man’s promises are written in water" encapsulates the perspective of an experienced Sioux leader who has grown weary of deceptive assurances intended to placate him while the government continues to erect forts and displace his people. “Bridger” (Van Heflin) is brought in by a reasonable colonel, “Carrington” (Preston Foster), with the aim of easing the construction of a new military post. Because he’s married to a Cheyenne woman and respected by “Red Cloud,” he secures their hesitant agreement, stipulating that neither side inflict harm on the other. An immature and self-important young officer, “Lt. Dancy” (Alex Nicol), disregards these agreements; when he shoots and kills a boy he believes was attempting to steal a horse, the fragile accord collapses. The question becomes whether “Bridger” can negotiate some kind of peace before violence erupts. Heflin does a solid job maintaining control as the situation escalates, and the film offers something meaningful in its portrayal of the dishonesty inherent in relentless expansion and prejudice that fuels clashes with tribes who simply desired to live their lives as their forefathers had done. The narrative loses momentum somewhat toward the conclusion, but there’s sufficient action to maintain interest for eighty minutes, and viewers may notice a brief appearance by Rock Hudson.

Source on TMDB