This vibrant “Western,” set against the backdrop of Florida’s lush landscape—where filming actually took place—offers a look at the Second Seminole War between 1835 and 1837. The story follows a newly assigned lieutenant, played by Rock Hudson, who is friends with Chief Osceola (Anthony Quinn). He's stationed at Fort King, under the command of a rigid major, portrayed by Richard Carlson, who harbors animosity toward …

Rock Hudson portrays a very proper West Point graduate tasked with assisting the Major at Fort King in dealing with Seminole inhabitants of the Florida swamps. His past involvement with the tribe, including its leader—played by an unpersuasive Anthony Quinn—leads him to seek a peaceful resolution regarding their removal. Predictably, the Seminole have no desire to be moved to a reservation, and conflict becomes inevi…