In the Black Hills, Dakota Territory in 1873, budding romance ends in tragedy resulting in Jim Earlys obsessive pursuit of a giant grizzly to the ultimate, bloody finale. Some real characters and the frontier locale, frequent encounters with other deadly wild animals and hornets nest Cheyennes create a cinematic period set through which this action drama moves from caught breath to heart stop. The fabric of relationships is torn by racial conflict and persisting Civil War passions. Underlying governmental intrigue, the lure of gold, and the panorama of Custers 7th Cavalry in garrison and in battle contribute texture. Revenge smolders like a smoky hot coal throughout.
