Based on the characters in Harold Robbins' THE CARPETBAGGERS, this is the story Nevada Smith (Steve McQueen), a half-breed Native American whose parents are viciously murdered by a gang of toughs led by Tom Fitch (Karl Malden). Nevada sets out to kill the gang after being taught to use weapons by Jonas Cord, Sr. (Brian Keith). Nevada kills the first of the gang in a knife fight and commits a crime to get into the prison where the second outlaw is being held and kills him, but that's just the beginning of his difficult journey of vengeance. Veteran director Hathaway (TRUE GRIT) creates a strong vehicle for the rugged McQueen.