A Federal Marshall (Robert Taylor) nicknamed "The Hangman" traces a robbery suspect (Jack Lord) to a small town, but the convict has turned his life around, he's now married and he and his wife are expecting a child. Not only is he supported by his friends and neighbors, but also by the town's sheriff (Fess Parker). The Marshall offers the convict's ex-lover (Tina Louise) a new lease on life; all she has to do is to finger the man she still loves and walk away with the reward. For the first time in his career, the lawman is faced with a serious challenge to his method of justice as the citizens band together to stop their friend's capture. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the legendary director of Casablanca and Mildred Pierce.