In this tough hard hitting western Willett Gashade (Warren Oates), an ex-bounty hunter is returning home after searching for his brother and is met by Coley (Will Hutchins), a cowboy trying to pull himself together after witnessing the murder of his best friend. When a beautiful buy fiesty mystery woman (Millie Perkins) turns up, Gashade reluctantly agrees to escort her through the desert. Along the way Gashade begins to suspect that she is trailing someone, which is confirmed after Billy Spear (Jack Nicholson), a ruthless bounty hunter, joins the party. Unsure of their target, Gashade and Coley continue to inch forward, weary of Billy Spear's menacing presence.