An ex-con (Gene Nelson) on parole in Los Angeles attempts to go straight with the support of his wife (Phyllis Kirk), but soon finds himself up against hostile forces. Nelson, better known for dancing up a storm in such musicals as Lullaby of Broadway and Oklahoma!, is excellent; so is Sterling Hayden as a vengeful and sadistic cop. Solid and pacey, Andre DeToth's movie takes a gritty look at police methods, the criminal world and the difficulties crooks face when they try to escape their former lives.

Reformed parolee Steve Lacey is caught in the middle when a wounded former cellmate seeks him out for shelter. The other two former cellmates then attempt to force him into doing a bank job.