construction of the transcontinental railway, a symbolic unification in the
wake of the Civil War. The story reflects many of Ford's recurring themes:
the meeting of cultures, the birth of civilizations in the wilderness, and
the building of a community sharing a purpose. It also takes artistic
license with historical figures throughout--including Abraham Lincoln,
Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok.
success. The film was restored to the director's vision in 2007.