Director Anthony Mann (master of the "psychological" Western) helms this taut tale about an inexperienced deputy, Ben Owens (Anthony Perkins), who steps in as a temporary replacement when the town sheriff is killed. Idealistic and naïve, the new sheriff seeks out cynical ex-lawman turned bounty hunter Morg Hickman (Henry Fonda) in hopes that Hickman can give him enough pointers to stay alive in his new job.