A mysterious outlaw known as the Sidewinder leads a band of Ute Indians on raids of ranches throughout the Southwest, and when his home is burned, cowboy Tex McCloud (Sterling Hayden) vows to get revenge and bets Cavalry officer Tom Blaine (Forrest Tucker) that he can find the outlaw. Tex falls for newcomer Nora (Barbara Rush), arousing the jealousy of singer Carolina (Arleen Whelan), but his investigation leaves him little time for romance.