In Rio Grande, the third of John Ford's classic Cavalry Trilogy, John Wayne stars as Kirby York, a colonel at an army outpost along the US/Mexico border where the Apache are always a problem.

When his son, Jeff (Claude Jarman Jr.), who he hasn't seen in more than a decade, arrives at the fort, Yorke tries to balance his military ethics with his emotions, warning the young man not to expect preferential treatment.

Yorke's ex-wife, Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara), appears, intending to persuade Jeff to leave the army. Yorke refuses to do the necessary paperwork to release his son, a decision seconded by Jeff, who has begun to adapt to army life.

Before Kathleen can attempt to persuade him again, the fort is attacked by the Apache. Ford's theme here is a deep rift between group and personal values, between patriotic duty and domestic responsibility.

Ford directed nearly 12 dozen films during a career that lasted more than half a century.

He directed many of the biggest Hollywood stars: Jimmy Stewart, Natalie Wood, Vera Miles, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple, Jimmie Cagney, Will Rogers, Jack Lemmon, Walter Pidgeon and others.

A moving, warm and realistic portrayal of the Wild West and the dignity of the men who made it - this is a must see for any fan of westerns.

Typical of Ford productions, the music is integrated into the plot and, with impressive battle scenes, this truly is one of the best.