Ride, Ranger, Ride

Following the Civil War, the Texas Rangers are disbanded. Gene Autry accepts a commission into the US Army Cavalry to police Texas. He forms a troop with his men.

The Federal Government seeks friendliness with the Comanche and blames the Rangers and other Texans for inciting hostilities. The army aims to negotiate peace while keeping order in Texas.

Autry, now a cavalry lieutenant, competes for the attentions of Dixie Summerall, daughter of Fort Adobe's post commander Colonel Summerall. Bob Cameron also vies for her affection, creating rivalries within the garrison.

An Indian party arrives at the fort wearing war paint and signals a larger force to attack. Autry and his scout Rufe Jones spot the ruse and open fire on the small party to thwart a signal to the larger force, but the bigger party escapes.

For his preemptive action, Autry is demoted to trooper and Rufe loses one month's Army Scout pay. The morale strains within the cavalry are visible as discipline tightens.

A peace treaty is signed with the help of Duval, the fort's interpreter, who serves as a go-between with the Comanches. The terms ease tensions and temporarily stabilize the frontier.

Gene and his friends suspect Duval is colluding with the Indians. They visit Duval's canteen to investigate and confront the interpreter about his loyalties, stirring tensions.

Duval's confrontation with the Rangers escalates into a barroom brawl after he tries to kill Gene. As a result, Gene and his companions are court-martialed for involvement in the fight.

When Gene tries to warn Colonel Summerall about the interpreter's sympathies with the Indians, he is arrested for the murder of a Comanche brave. The case tests the loyalty of the Rangers and the integrity of the command.

Duval is revealed to the Comanches as Chief Tavibo, exposing his true identity and plan to reroute a supply train so the tribe can attack and seize ammunition. The threat to the garrison becomes personal.

Gene escapes from jail and travels to the Governor of Texas and former Ranger Major Crosby. The Governor reinstates the Texas Rangers to protect the population and restore order.

Autry joins the cavalry in the climactic battle against the Comanches. Frog Millhouse arrives with the Texas Rangers, turning the tide. Duval is killed as his plot is exposed.

With the threat ended, Colonel Summerall apologizes to Gene for the earlier misunderstandings. Gene wins Dixie Summerall as his bride, sealing both peace and romance.