This classic western features (John Wayne) as John Chisum, the tough cattle baron who defends his Lincoln Country ranch from the gang of Lawrence Murphy (Forrest Tucker). When Murphy goes on a land-grabbing rampage, Chisum valiantly defends his territory. A bloody battle for land ensues and Chisum recruits ranch foreman James Pepper (Ben Johnson) to fend off the evil land baron. When Murphy's men kill a trusted friend, Billy The Kid (Geoffrey Duel) and friends go on a shooting spree and kill Murphy's friend, the local sheriff. Soon Pat Garrett (Glenn Corbett) is after the Kid, and Lincoln County is inundated by hails of hot lead. Wayne gives his typical performance as a rugged gunman forced to retaliate when his individual freedom and livelihood are threatened.