John Wayne stars in this historical drama of one man's successful struggle to open Japan to the western world. The Barbarian and The Geisha is the true story of Townsend Harris, who in 1856 was appointed by President Pierce to be the first American consul to Japan. Headquartered in Shimoda, Harris discovers that the Japanese thoroughly mistrust the Americans. Slowly, Harris earns the respect of the local power brokers and townsfolk and is permitted to enter the city of Tokyo. A beautiful Geisha, originally sent to thwart Harris' mission, falls in love with him and finally decides to protect him from harm.