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This Disney adventure differed from many films of its era in that it depicted an unusually humanistic view of Native Americans as it tells the story of a young Sioux who finds a wild horse, captures the magnificent animal, names him Tonka, and patiently gentles him. According to custom, he is supposed to give it to his elder cousin, a despicable and cruel fellow who takes pleasure in beating Tonka and who eventually sells him to the cavalry. A kindly cavalry captain buys Tonka and names him Comanche. Meanwhile, the grieving youth, decides he must be with his horse and so sneaks into the fort where he is promptly captured. Fortunately, the captain, who has come to love his horse as much as the boy does, understands the youth. Later the captain rides the horse into the fateful battle at Little Big Horn and in the end, Tonka is the only survivor. The youth takes his horse and is later made an honorary member of the cavalry.