The Conqueror - (John Wayne)

The Conqueror is a 1956 American epic historical adventure film directed and produced by Dick Powell and written by Oscar Millard. It stars John Wayne as the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan and co-stars Susan Hayward, Agnes Moorehead and Pedro Armendáriz.

During the 12th century, Mongol chief Temujin (later to be known as Genghis Khan) and his "blood brother" Jamuga stop a traveling caravan escorting Bortai, the daughter of the Tartars' leader Kumlek. Temujin leaves and tells Jamuga he intends to take Bortai for himself, having fallen in love with her. Jamuga tells Temujin that his actions will spark a war, but Temujin orders an attack on the caravan. During the attack, the caravan is subdued. Temujin captures and then releases Targutai, the Merkit chieftain.

Bortai is brought to the Mongol camp, where Temujin's mother Hunlun angrily learns she is the daughter of Kumlek, her husband's murderer. Regardless, Temujin keeps her and later that night, he sends her to her tent when she refuses to dance for the Mongols. Suddenly, the Mongol camp is attacked by Targutai and his men, whereby Temujin kills him. Temujin takes Bortai outside the camp, and forcefully kisses her.

The next morning, Temujin tells Jamuga about his plans to ally with Wang Khan by claiming the Tartars and Merkits will attack Urga, Wang Khan's walled city. On their way there, Temujin tells Bortai he will be gifting Wang Khan with her dowry of furs. Angered, she tries to stab Temujin, but he slaps her in return. The Mongols arrive at Wang Khan's palace, where Temujin confers with Wang Khan about the Tartars' plan of attack. Wang Khan consults his shaman, whereby the "spirits" agree with Temujin.

The next day, Temujin learns of Wang Khan's declining health and leaves the palace with Wang Khan's army to fight Kumlek and the Tartars. Along the way, Temujin is ambushed and injured but he hides in a cave. Having escaped, Jamuga finds Temujin, who informs him the Tartars have captured Bortai. Jamuja surrenders to Kumlek but is freed by Bortai to find Temujin. A day later, Kumlek's army follow Jamuga to the cave and capture Temujin, who suspects Jamuga of betrayal. Temujin is tied to a yoke and brought before Kumlek.