Bat Masterson (Albert Dekker) comes to Dodge City, Kan., seeking a newspaper job. But when the local sheriff is killed, he becomes the new lawman instead. Soon, Bat meets and falls for Dora Hand (Claire Trevor), a chorus girl at a local saloon. He wants her to quit the saloon; she wants him to hang up his guns. But before they can settle down, Bat must deal with rancher King Kennedy (Barry Sullivan), who has become jealous of their relationship and means to cause trouble.