Across the Wide Missouri, Fur trapper Flint Mitchell joins other mountain men in the Rocky Mountains in the 1830s for a summer “rendezvous” when they exchange furs, drink, and compete in games.
Even though his Scottish friend and former trading partner Brecan protests and informs him that the land belongs to the Blackfoot, he organizes a hunting “brigade” into the beaver-rich Blackfoot country, purchasing horses and hiring trappers.
Flint outbids Brecan for Kamiah, the adopted daughter of Nez Perce chief Chief-looking Glass and the granddaughter of Blackfoot medicine man Bear Ghost. Flint wants to wed Kamiah and protect the brigade, while Brecan wants to send her to the Blackfoot to foster peace between the tribes.
Along with Flint on the dangerous mission are Pierre, a French Canadian trapper, and Captain Humberstone Lyon, a fellow Scotsman who took part in the Battle of Waterloo.
Kamiah successfully leads Flint and his men across the difficult snowdrift-filled mountain pass on their journey to the Blackfoot country, where they erect a fence.
Ironshirt, a young Blackfoot prince and war leader, kills Baptiste DuNord, one of Flint’s greatest trappers, putting Flint in danger of being captured and put to death. Ironshirt takes the horses from the brigade, but Flint wins Bear Ghost over, and he orders them to be given back.
Flint falls in love with Kamiah even though he marries her for reasons other than love and does not understand her language. Flint and Bear Ghost become great friends as Kamiah and Flint get to know each other better.
Bear Ghost stops Ironshirt from killing Flint and his men, but tragedy comes when Roy DuNord, one of Flint’s men, kills Bear Ghost to exact revenge for the loss of his brother.
Despite Brecan murdering Roy and Flint experiencing grief at Bear Ghost’s passing, Ironshirt succeeds Bear Ghost as chief and continues his quest to drive the white trappers out of his nation.
Kamiah gives birth to a child named Chip in the spring. A sizable war group led by Ironshirt attacks the brigade on the way to the meeting, killing Kamiah. During the assault, Chip is strapped to Kamiah’s horse, which runs and is pursued by Ironshirt, who is determined to murder the youngster.
However, Flint can murder Ironshirt and save his son. Flint takes Chip to live in the Blackfoot camp as the years pass because he thinks Kamiah would have wanted him there.
Flint wants to send the youngster to school in the East, but Chip keeps convincing him to put off going, so the boy learns from his father how to live in the mountains instead.
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Across the Wide Missouri Filming Locations-Where Was the Drama Movie Filmed?
The film’s main setting was Glacier National Park, which perfectly captured the spirit of the American frontier with its spectacular snow-capped mountains and clear lakes.
Several sequences were set amid the extraordinary and breathtaking geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, including its recognizable geysers and hot springs.
The grand peaks of Grand Teton National Park provided a striking background, showcasing the size and splendor of the American West.
The Columbia River Gorge’s rich and beautiful setting was used for several river and forest sequences, giving the movie depth and authenticity.
The Bridger Mountains’ untamed energy could be seen in the film through their craggy topography and expansive landscapes, which gave the picture a sense of wildness and adventure.
The old Wyoming hamlet of Hermitage was turned into a set for the movie, giving the frontier towns in the story a genuine setting.
The meandering Snake River was the perfect location for the film’s river voyage scenes because of its beautiful gorges and rapids.
The Bighorn National Forest’s lush woodlands and undulating hills gave a sense of mystery and danger as the movie’s characters traveled across wild terrain.
The Arapaho National Forest’s soaring pine trees, craggy cliffs, and tranquil lakes served as a visually magnificent backdrop for several of the film’s sequences.
For several Native American meetings in the movie, the Blackfoot Indian Reservation’s expansive grasslands and breathtaking scenery served as the setting.
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