In 1757, the British and French are battling for control of North America in the French and Indian War. Though the colonists are bound by law to join the militia to aid the British, many of them are reluctant to leave their homes and families defenseless.Chingachgook (Russell Means), his son Uncas (Eric Schweig), and Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), his adopted "white" son, visit the Cameron household. Jack Winthrop (Edward Blatchford) tells Hawkeye that he is gathering volunteers for the British army. The next morning, Jack and a group of others go to Albany, New York, to obtain terms from General Webb, who agrees to grant them leave if their homes are attacked. Satisfied, they join the British forces at Fort William Henry, sixty miles north of Albany on the southern end of Lake George. Director: Michael Mann Writers: James Fenimore Cooper (novel), John L. Balderston (adaptation), and 5 more credits Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe and Russell Means Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis Madeleine Stowe Wes Studi Russell Means Eric Schweig Steven Waddington Jodhi May