Gilbert 'Gil' Martin (Henry Fonda), a man from the East coast colonies, marries new wife Magdalena (Claudette Colbert). The newlyweds go west to start a homestead in the Mohawk Valley that is Upstate New York. An Indian attack, which is instigated by the British, causes their home and belongings to be set ablaze. With all the upset Magdalena has a miscarriage. Penniless, the Martins move to live with a wealthy old widow (Edna May Oliver). She is pleased to put them up in her fine estate. Their rent is to lend a hand with chores. The horror of the Revolutionary War catch up even the widow’s fort isn’t fail-safe.