AllMovie

The Deserter bore traces of the earlier Charles Ray vehicle The Coward. This time around, Ray is cast as Lieutenant Parker, a hotheaded U.S. Cavalry officer. After getting into a fight and indulging in a drunken spree when he is spurned by Barbara Taylor (Rita Stanwood), the daughter of his commanding officer, Parker caps his misdeeds by deserting his post. Disgraced and discharged from the service, Parker joins a wagon train as a civilian scout. He subsequently demonstrates his innate courage during a savage Indian attack, thereby regaining his reputation and his commission. Unfortunately, Parker doesn't live long enough to see his good name restored -- a tragic finale all too typical of producer Thomas H. Ince.