Natty "Deerslayer" Bumppo and Chingachgook are on a mission to rescue a stolen Delware woman from the Hurons, but "Hurry" Harry March and an old former pirate may prove more of a hinderance than help.
The newly-named "Hawkeye" must pass the manhood test of the Hurons and Magua swear revenge for the death of his brother at Hawkeye's hands.
Magua returns for revenge, and his plan, involving the two daughters of a British colonel and a British officer, leads to Hawkere, Chingachgook and the three trapped in a cave with no escape and dwindling ammunition.
A dispute over a pack-train of supply-laden horses and attraction to a sergeant's beautiful daughter turns into a shooting contest between Hawkeye, "Hurry" Harry March and sloop owner Jeff Sweetwater.