Taking a cue from The African Queen, this gritty Western finds ex-soldier Hack Williams (Jeff Morrow) -- the sole survivor of an Indian attack on a small town -- trying to guide Boston schoolteacher Nora Hayes (Coleen Gray) to safety upon her arrival following the massacre. The alcoholic Hack and prim Nora bicker as they dodge arrows, combat thirst and brave the scorching desert, where they must warn an approaching cavalry troop of the danger.