Place in America's Colonial period, John Ford's adventure narrative follows Gilbert (Henry Fonda) and Lana Martin (Claudette Colbert) as they try to survive the rugged frontier. After their settlement has been repeatedly attacked by Indians, the bunch will be taken in by a spinster (Edna May Oliver). Although Gilbert heads off to combat the British and the Indians, a boy is born by lana. He yields to obtain his family once more under attack.