 Clem Rogers (Dale Robertson), known as "the Hanging Judge" has come to Stone Junction, Kansas in 1889 to preside over the murder trial of Pete Stone (John Agar),son of town ruler "Big Tom" Stone (Barton MacLane). Things are made more difficult when Rogers learns that Joe Rile (Bruce Cabot), the man who killed his father,is working for Stone. The latter, in an effort to discredit Rogers, has his henchmen leave the unconscious, beaten and half-dressed Ellie Irish (Yvonne De Carlo)in his hotel room. On the day of the trial the town slowly fills fills with strangers, all in black and all hired to fill the courtroom. Stone tells Rogers that eceryone in the courtroon is related to someone Rogers has hanged and is armed, and defies Rogers to send his son to the gallows.