The inhabitants of a small western community turn on Jim Guthrie (Dana Andrews) when he becomes the prime suspect for a murder he didn't commit. Before getting a chance to prove his innocence, Jim is driven from his home and into the wilderness, where he is left for dead. Despite the danger, he comes back years later, discovering that he's still a wanted man. But a kindhearted local named Chris (Dianne Foster) believes his story, and together they begin a desperate search for the true culprit.