Sherriff "John T." (John Wayne) is saddled with a drunken deputy "Dude" (Dean Martin) just at a time when local landowner "Burdette" (John Russell) is besieging the jail to extricate his murderous brother. Luckily, his friend "Pat" (Ward Bond) drives his wagon train through the town and he's got the gunslinging "Colorado" (Ricky Nelson) on board. Initially reluctant to get involved in someone else's fight, the turn of events change his mind providing Duke with a new ally. Then, when he thinks things can't get any worse, the stagecoach comes in with a dodgy wheel and wanted card-sharp "Feathers"... Lue kokonaan.