William F. Cody (Joel McCrea) is a Western figure who becomes world famous. Working at first with Ned Buntline (Thomas Mitchell), the yellow journalist, Buffalo Bill wins his reputation on hunts on the prairies of buffalo. Here he also meets his future wife Louisa Frederici (Maureen O’Hara), daughter of a United States Senator Frederici (Moroni Olsen). Though she wants to return East after marriage, he wants to stay to help the Indians against the policies of the U. S. Cavalry. He is shocked by the military killing of the Native Americans and has befriended Chief Yellow Hand (Anthony Quinn). He also has an Indian maiden named Dawn Starlight (Linda Darnell) serving as his unrequited love. Buffalo Bill later decides the best way to help preserve the West is to set up a show and tour the world.