An ageing gunfighter is drawn into the conflict between a land-grabbing cattle baron and a ranching family, getting himself accidentally shot in the process. A year later, he returns to the town to find the situation has not improved so, along with his sidekick and the drunken town sheriff, fights to defend the family from its enemies. Western, starring John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan and Ed Asner.

Cole Thornton, a gunfighter for hire, joins forces with an old friend, Sheriff J.P. Harrah. Together with a fighter and a gambler, they help a rancher and his family fight a rival rancher that is trying to steal their water.