 Ex-lawman Chauncey Demon, an old friend of Matt Dillon, has fallen on hard times. He has become an alcoholic who can no longer ride or shoot the way he once did. He renews his acquaintance with the widow and son of another lawman who was a close friend, Kathy and Johnny Carter. Demon runs afoul of wealthy cattle baron Carl Ryker and must face Ryker s gunslinger Kane, as well as deal with his feelings for Kathy and Johnny. Matt comes to the rescue at the crucial moment.