Fleeing to Dodge City after killing a man in self defence Masterson finds his brother Ed (Harry Lauter) running for sheriff of the town. When Ed is killed by hired guns of the corrupt incumbent Bat is determined to settle the score with violence but he is convinced by the townspeople that the best way to avenge his brother's death is by taking Ed's place on the ballot. Bat agrees and wins the election but his new role on the right side of the law will lead him to unexpected confrontations as he finds himself torn between his loyalties to his friends and his duties as sheriff.
Joel McCrea
as Bat Masterson
Julie Adams
as Pauline Howard
John McIntire
as Doc Sam Tremaine
Richard Anderson
as Dave Rudabaugh
Nancy Gates
as Lily
James Westerfield
as Reverend Howard
Walter Coy
as Ben Townsend
Don Haggerty
as Sheriff Jim Regan
Wright King
as Billy Townsend
Harry Lauter
as City Marshal Ed Masterson
Timothy Carey
as Forbes
John Mitchum
as Rowdy Drunken Cowboy
