In this handsome-looking but lethargic western, special agent Randolph Scott goes undercover to trap the Reno brothers, one of the earliest bands of outlaws who committed the first train hold-up in 1866. The brothers - including Frank (Forrest Tucker), Sim (J Carrol Naish) and John (Myron Healey) - also have an attractive sister Laura (Mala Powers), which naturally complicates matters for Scott. The rage at dawn refers to the historically accurate conclusion in which a lynch mob plucks the Renos from jail.

In this film's version of the story, four of the Reno Brothers are corrupt robbers and killers while a fifth, Clint is a respected Indiana farmer. A sister, Laura, who has inherited the family home, serves the outlaw brothers as a housekeeper and cook. One brother is killed when they go after a bank, the men of the town appear to have been waiting for them…