In the 1870s, Texas is a vast cattle range and cattle baron Stiles (Cy Kendall) controlles most of it. A homesteader who refuses to leave his claim on the land is murdered along with his wife. Only their young son survives and grows up honing his marksmanship and quick draw. He also becomes a lawyer and sets up his practice in the heart of Stiles' territory.
John Clayborn (John Wayne), the young lawyer, challenges Stiles' claim to the valley land and in the climactic showdown, Wayne emerges victorious as Stiles dies in a wagon crash off a cliff.