magnifying glass search icon
Poster of Rio Grande

Rio Grande (1950)

“John Ford's Most Powerful Drama. The Breathtaking Saga of the United States Cavalry! The third installment of John Ford's trilogy...”

  • NR
  • 105 min
  • Western
  • imdb logo 7.0/10 (17661 votes)

Where to Watch in

Free

Purchase

Where to Watch in

Free

Purchase

Plot

In the wake of the Civil War, the winds of conflict have changed direction, now gusting towards the Apaches. At the heart of this brewing storm stands Union officer Kirby Yorke, commanding an outpost on the Rio Grande. His role is twofold - to guard the frontier and to mold new recruits into formidable soldiers. Among the sea of fresh faces is a familiar one—his son, whom he hasn't seen in 15 years. Yorke's personal battles intertwine with the broader war as he strives to fortify his son into a warrior capable of countering the Apaches. However, their reunion is short-lived as the boy's mother, Kathleen, arrives, determined to extract her son from the battlefield. The decision ultimately rests in the hands of the young recruit, who chooses to stay and fight, forcing Yorke and Kathleen to confront their own unresolved past. As the echoes of their rekindled love resonate amidst the war drums, Yorke faces an escalating challenge. His unconventional tactics to outmaneuver the elusive Apaches could potentially lead to court-martial. Yet, as the Indian raids intensify, crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico, the officer is compelled to risk everything. When the Apache storm descends, it sweeps away the women and children to the south of the river, leaving Yorke and his men in a desperate race against time. As they venture into uncharted territories to reclaim their loved ones, Yorke fights to redeem his honor, protect his family, and uphold the flag of the Union in the face of overwhelming odds.

Where to watch Rio Grande?

Rio Grande is a western movie featuring John Wayne.

Rio Grande is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Pluto TV.

It is also possible to buy Rio Grande on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.