America's Revolutionary War is more than a decade away, but storm clouds of rebellion are gathering in Pennsylvania. There, colonial man of action James Smith does what England's provincial command won't: stop the trading of weapons to Indian tribes. Smith intercepts trade shipments, beseiges forts and risks the certain-death charge of treason against the king.

"I'll blow daylight through these men." Only months after his Stagecoah breakthrough, John Wayne brings his one-of-a-kind line readings and presence to the real-life role of Smith. Another Stagecoah alumna joins the Duke: Claire Trevor, playing a fiery barmaid eager to join the scrap against the redcoats.