All Faces West (1929)

Thompson, a city man, is on vacation in the foothills of the Rockies. After first mistaking him for a government agent because of his riding habit, four mountaineers become friendlier toward Thompson when they learn that he was merely attracted by their singing. The backwoodsmen talk about a government plan to flood a nearby valley that includes their land. One man explains that his grandfather came through that same valley with the first wagon train in 1849 and tells the following story: A small band of pioneers, under the command of Captain Peck, heads West. Three con artists-ex-poker dealer Jim Vance, his gypsy stepdaughter Arleta, and his partner, Tony-approach the wagon train. Arleta plans to swindle the pioneers by selling the caravan's horses to the Indians. The trio approach Matthew, a young scout, and ask if they might join the train. The flirtatious Arleta is attracted to Matthew, but his heart belongs to sweet and lovely Sylvia. As the expedition progresses, food supplies dwindle and many of the pioneers are homesick. A scouting party discovers buffalo, and Arleta rescues Sylvia from a stampede of the herd. The women cement their friendship as the pioneers celebrate and dine on buffalo meat. Matthew nearly succumbs to Arleta's provocative charms during a passionate fandango dance, but finally leaves to be with Sylvia. Jim and Tony are displeased with Arleta's behavior and decide to exclude her from their future schemes. Weeks later, the wagon train successfully fords a fast-flowing river and sets up camp on the opposite shore. As Jim and Tony plot a morning raid with the Indians, Matthew falls under Arleta's spell and embraces the woman he has learned to love. At daybreak, Arleta is awakened by Matthew's dog and learns of her stepfather's conspiracy against the settlers, whom she has grown to respect. As she confronts Jim, the Indians are rustling the horses. "Gunner Bill," one of the settlers, alerts the camp and the Indians are repulsed. The Indians kill Tony after discovering that he has tricked them. During a heated argument with Matthew and Arleta, Jim shoots his stepdaughter. As Jim and Matt exchange blows, the buffalo herd stampedes, terrified by the nearby gun battle. Jim is trampled, but Matthew and Arleta escape. Despite her fatal wound, Arleta is able to warn the settlement of the stampede, while Matthew diverts the herd. Her conscience clear, Arleta dies in the arms of Sylvia and Matthew.