In this fact-based film, star prizefighter Barney Ross (Cameron Mitchell) puts his career on hold to fight in World War II. He soon distinguishes himself through his courageous service, but later becomes infected with malaria. He is sent home and treated with morphine, to which he soon becomes addicted. As he descends further into the throes of his deadly habit, his courageous wife, Cathy (Dianne Foster), vows to help her husband kick his addiction before it kills him.