Drum Beat (1954)

Johnny MacKay: More killing means more war, Jack.
Kintpuash, aka Captain Jack: Then there will be war.
Johnny MacKay: War is no good. In war one side wins; in peace, both sides win.

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Johnny MacKay: [narrating] And thus ended the killing in the Modoc country, and the peace began amoung our people that lives to this day. A peace that wasn't won by just wanting it, but costs plenty - but left scars. But it showed the country something we had to learn and remember - that among the Indians, as amongst our people, the good in heart outnumber the bad, and they will offer their lives to prove it.

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Dr. Thomas: Don't you feel like a murderer?
Johnny MacKay: No, sir.
Dr. Thomas: Shouldn't you?
Johnny MacKay: I've never shot anyone without cause. My job is to protect the wagon train. When somebody shoots at my people, I shoot back.

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General Edward Canby, whose death is depicted in this movie, was in reality the only U.S. army general killed during the American Indian Wars. "General" G. A. Custer, killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876, was not in fact a general at the time of his death. After the Civil War, he held the permanent rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
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