News of the World

In the year 1870, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former Confederate officer, makes a living traveling through Texas. He earns a meager income by reading news to townsfolk for ten cents a person, setting the stage for an unexpected adventure.

While traveling, Kidd discovers the body of a lynched black freedman near an overturned wagon. Amidst this grim scene, he finds a young girl named Cicada, who only speaks Kiowa, marking the beginning of his journey with her.

Kidd learns that the girl he had found is actually Johanna Leonberger, who was kidnapped and raised by the Kiowa six years prior. This revelation underlines the significant trauma she has endured and sets Kidd on a path of responsibility towards her.

After an encounter with a Union patrol, Kidd is given a directive to deliver Johanna to Union officials in a nearby town. This command propels Kidd into a commitment he never anticipated, emphasizing the conflict-torn backdrop of their journey.

Upon reaching the town, Kidd discovers that the representative from the Bureau of Indian Affairs will not be available for three months. Faced with this news, Kidd contemplates leaving Johanna with his friends, Simon and Doris Boudlin.

During a severe storm, Johanna attempts to flee with a group of Native Americans, a decision that alarms Kidd. This incident prompts Kidd to recognize the urgency of ensuring her safety, leading him to take full responsibility for her journey home.

After six strenuous days of travel, Kidd and Johanna reach Dallas, where they are faced with the daunting uncertainty of continuing their journey. The tension in the region is palpable as violence erupts between white settlers and Native Americans over land.

At a local inn, Kidd learns from Ella Gannett that Johanna’s adoptive family has been killed. This devastating news propels Johanna further into despair, deepening Kidd's commitment to protect and reunite her with her family.

While reading the news, Kidd and Johanna encounter hostility from three ex-Confederate soldiers who attempt to purchase Johanna. Their escape is perilous, showcasing both Kidd's quick thinking and Johanna's cleverness in using his dimes as ammunition.

Upon approaching Erath County, Kidd and Johanna are captured by militiamen led by the racist cattle baron Farley. Under pressure, Kidd is forced to promote propaganda but cleverly seizes the moment to incite rebellion among the workers.

In the midst of the chaos that ensues from Kidd's actions, Johanna makes a brave decision to save Kidd by using his shotgun to kill Farley. This act of bravery highlights Johanna's transformative journey and newfound courage.

Kidd and Johanna face further setbacks when they lose their wagon and their last horse is injured. In a moment of compassion, Kidd puts the horse down, and they are forced to continue their journey on foot through harsh conditions.

As they endure the heat and a brutal sandstorm, a band of Kiowa offers assistance by providing Johanna with a horse. This act of kindness symbolizes hope and the merging worlds of their backgrounds, aiding their quest toward home.

Finally reaching the Leonberger family homestead, Kidd is reluctantly forced to leave Johanna with her aunt and uncle. Though he declines their reward, he encourages them to invest in books for Johanna, emphasizing the importance of education.

Reflecting on his journey and the bonds formed, Kidd visits his late wife’s grave, resulting in an emotional goodbye. Ultimately, he rides back to Johanna, seeking her forgiveness and solidifying their bond as family.

In a heartwarming conclusion, Kidd officially welcomes Johanna into his life as he reads the news to a gathered crowd. By introducing her as his daughter, Johanna Kidd, they cement their newfound family connection, embodying love and resilience.