Frank Patch (Richard Widmark) is the town marshall who finds opposition from the town council. Fearing some East-coast investors may stop their proposed cash flow into the town, the council plans to oust the old-school lawman, and Frank takes comfort in the arms of the town madame Claire (Lena Horne). Since Frank refuses to turn in his badge voluntarily, the council devises other ways to have him vacate the position. Lester Locke (Carroll O'Conner) is the testy saloon owner who makes trouble for the marshall. Lou Trinidad (John Saxon) is the sheriff and probably Frank's only friend in town besides Claire. After a dozen killings by the law-abiding marshall, the council is willing to break the law to insure the influx of money into the dying western town in this routine sagebrush saga. Horne delivers the tune "Sweet Apple Wine" during the opening and closing credits.
