This movie combines a reasonably good movie and a mediocre one in the same film. On the surface, it is an average 1960's vintage western involving the US Cavalry, Indians, saloon fights, one woman loved by two men, etc. However, on a second level, the backdrop of the movie is actually a fairly accurate depiction of the 1876 campaign against the Sioux which resulted in the defeat of Custer at the Little Big Horn. Even though the movie characters are given fictitious names (i.e. Gen. Frederick McCabe rather than Col George Custer), and is presented as a fictional story, the basic facts of the campaign were accurately re-created.
Some artistic license was taken, for example, the real scout was killed in the river crossing after the initial attack and not by going to fill water canteens. The trek to the river to get water was done by enlisted volunteers during darkness for which they were awarded the Medal of Honor. The main character of the movie, Capt Harrod, is actually a composite of several officers under Custer's command, including Capt Benteen who effectively took command of the defense of the ridge when the ranking officer, Maj Reno became too rattled to command decisively.
So, for people who are interested in Custer and the battle of the Little Big Horn, this is one of the better movies made on the subject even though actual names and places have been changed.
Some artistic license was taken, for example, the real scout was killed in the river crossing after the initial attack and not by going to fill water canteens. The trek to the river to get water was done by enlisted volunteers during darkness for which they were awarded the Medal of Honor. The main character of the movie, Capt Harrod, is actually a composite of several officers under Custer's command, including Capt Benteen who effectively took command of the defense of the ridge when the ranking officer, Maj Reno became too rattled to command decisively.
So, for people who are interested in Custer and the battle of the Little Big Horn, this is one of the better movies made on the subject even though actual names and places have been changed.