When a twenty-year old itinerant ranch hand (Keir Dullea) damages Garret property, Jim Redigo (Richard Egan) gives him a choice of jail or a chance to work off the damage.

An Indian brave returns from the Korean conflict and has difficulty adjusting to civilian life. The story is noteworthy because it deals with Indians who are recognizable, real people. Ray Danton is Four Thumbs, a proud Navajo confined for 10 years In a mental hospital. He escapes and heads home. Even in his confused mental state, he is disillusioned by the apparent crass commercialism of his people.

Citizens of a small town attempt to pervert justice to preserve the reputation of a war hero for whom the town is named.