Found grievously injured by rancher Shep Horgan (Ernest Borgnine), Jubal Troop (Glenn Ford) is a man whose life has been dogged by tragedy. Now he's offered a job as a cowhand and soon is obvious abilities earn him Shep's trust and a promotion. This riles former top hand, Pinky (Rod Steiger) who feels supplanted by the new man. Things are further complicated by Shep's young and attractive wife, Mae, who's unhappy in her marriage. Formerly attentive to Pinky, she now turns her unwanted attentions onto Jubal. Into this explosive situation comes Reb (Charles Bronson), a travelling stranger. He offers his help, but it's up to Jubal to finally change the direction of his life from bad to good.