James Stewart and Janet Leigh star in this 1950s US Western directed by Anthony Mann. In 1860s Colorado, bounty hunter Howard Kemp (Stewart) enlists the help of prospector Jesse Tate (Millard Mitchell) and discharged Union soldier Roy Anderson (Ralph Meeker) in his quest to apprehend wanted murderer Ben Vandergroat (Robert Ryan). However, when his companions learn of the substantial reward on offer for Vandergroat's capture, it sparks a disagreement between the three men over how to split the reward.

Meanwhile, Anderson's companion Lina Patch (Leigh) continues to maintain her belief in Vandergroat 's innocence, which causes further friction amongst the group.