Budd Boetticher directs this 1950s Western starring Randolph Scott as Ben Brigade, a bounty hunter with a wanted murderer in tow named Billy John (James Best). His course does not run smooth, however, as on the way to Santa Cruz where Billy is set to be hanged; Brigade saves a woman from an Indian attack. Enlisting the help of a couple of local fugitives, Brigade intends to continue his onward journey but the Indians show no sign of surrender.

With the fugitives looking to enact their own agendas and Billy John's brother fast approaching to save him from his fate, Brigade will have to overcome several impossible situations if he is to get his captured criminal safely to Santa Cruz.