Major Jim Colton (John Lund) is the commanding officer of a fort in the western frontier, and has established a peaceful communal relationship with Cochise (Jeff Chandler) which is beneficial to both sides. But as the build up to the Civil War begins, hordes of US Soldiers are sent back east which emboldens some of the more rowdy Apaches including the formidable Geronimo (Jay Silverheels) who wishes to seize the opportunity to drive the white man out. Adding to this problem is the arrival of a crooked Indian-Affairs representative Mr. Baylor (Bruce Cowling) who is determined to break every treaty that has been made with the natives and forcibly resettle them to a designated reservation where there is nothing to hunt and the people would rely on government handouts. Despite the best efforts of Colton and Cochise, it isn't long before the whole Apache nation is on the warpath and the only hope for the Army is to retreat to Fort Sheridan. But to get there, they must travel through dangerous Apache Pass, where Geronimo and Cochise are waiting...

This is one of those surprising westerns that one assumes would be about the 'heroic cavalry' fighting off the 'ferocious Apaches' but instead it is the US Government who are clearly the villains while the majority of the Apaches (though certainly not all) are depicted as peaceful and reasonable people. Tightly directed, neatly scripted, quite well acted, good characters who stop short of cliché, and glorious technicolour with locations which will never be used again (Arches national park). It is a pity that most of the Indian characters were played by white actors but given the time that it was made it isn't a surprise. Jeff Chandler reprises his role as Cochise from the landmark western, "Broken Arrow", as does Jay Silverheels as the warlike Geronimo. John Lund is the thoughtful major who is sympathetic to the Indians and values his friendship with Cochise. Regis Toomey is the kindly regimental doctor who abhors the bloodshed and is always ready to offer a healing hand regardless of race or creed. Bruce Cowling and Jack Elam are the white men who have other ideas about how to deal with the Indians. Richard Egan and Hugh O'Brian are also good as army lieutenants. John Hudson is good as Lt. Bascom; a man who doesn't understand the Apache and believes in doing everything according to army regulations - right down to wearing a cap that offers no protection from the burning New Mexico sun. Tech credits are great, especially the camera work by Charles Boyle and the music score by Hans Salter. There is plenty of exciting action leading up to the spectacular battle in the final scenes.