When the local sheriff is killed after a bank robbery, ex-lawman Ben Cutler (Fred MacMurray) collars the apparent killer, Eddie Campbell (Robert Vaughn). Because of his background as a local youth who spent time living with the Cutlers, Eddie gets the benefit of the doubt from Ben's daughter and his wife-to-be, Ruth (Margaret Hayes). Ben is firm in his belief that Eddie is guilty, and as the matter is debated in a divisive court battle, it will soon become clear whether or not he's right.