Monte Walsh and Chet Rollins are long-time cowhands, working whatever ranch job comes their way, but"nothing they can't do out of a horse" Their lifetimes are broken up between months on the range and the occasional trip into town. While Chet has fallen under the charm of the widow that owns the hardware shop monte features a longterm connection with prostitute Martine Bernard. Camaraderie and contest with all the cowboys fulfill each of the hands loses his job and gets involved in murdering and rustling, until. Then Chet and Monte discover that their own lives on the range are redirected.