Forty carriages westwards

In 1867, the whiskey supply in the mining town of Denver is running low. Without supplies, the miners face a harsh winter. Forty wagons loaded with high-proof spirits are to provide relief. But first they have to make the long journey across the prairie. To ensure that the delivery reaches the town undamaged, the trek is escorted by the cavalry, led by Colonel Gearhart (Burt Lancaster). The escort is also desperately needed, because when news of the valuable cargo reaches the public, other interest groups become aware of the liquor and soon start a heated battle over the firewater.