Young boys worship cowboys, but not many have their very own gunslinger to turn to for protection. Father figure Shane (Alan Ladd) risks his own enigmatic hide in a gunfight to guard the boy and his family against a hired killer. Sometimes, a single shot can solve life's problems, if you've got honor, discipline, and nerves of steel.

Forced to choose between defending himself and upholding pacificist principles, Kane (Gary Cooper) keeps a cool head under fire. Free from bloodlust, this marshal has the courage of his convictions; when no one will help him, he goes it alone (and prevails) against a gang of four.