An American Civil War veteran, twisted by his experiences during the conflict, becomes the judge of a small town. He embarks on a reign of terror, ruthlessly misusing his power, and it falls to an old friend from his army days to bring him down. Western, starring Glenn Ford, William Holden, Ellen Drew and Ray Collins.

Two friends return home after their discharge from the army after the Civil War. However, one of them has had deep-rooted psychological damage due to his experiences during the war, and as his behavior becomes more erratic--and violent--his friend desperately tries to find a way to help him.