Black Legion

Frank Taylor, a Midwestern factory worker who expects a promotion, is passed over for advancement. He joins the Black Legion, a secret hate group, and dons a hood and robes as he embraces the cause.

The Black Legion conducts a torchlight raid in the town, driving the Polish immigrant and his family from their home. The brutality of the attack demonstrates the group's mindless violence and solidifies Taylor's commitment to the Legion.

Back at the factory, Taylor is promoted, and for a moment all seems well. The promotion appears to validate his decision to join the Legion.

During a bathroom break while recruiting for the Legion, an industrial accident destroys an expensive machine. Taylor is blamed for the loss and is demoted in favor of Irish co-worker Mike Grogan.

That night, the Black Legion abducts Grogan and ties him to a tree. He is tortured, illustrating the group's brutal methods.

Ed Jackson suspects Taylor is connected to the attacks on immigrants. He discusses his concerns with Ruth, who confronts Taylor, and he responds with violence, causing Ruth to leave him.

Taylor's Black Legion activities and drinking intensify, and he loses his job. He also begins a relationship with a woman of ill repute.

Seeing his friend's life unravel, Jackson expresses concern. A drunken Taylor confesses about his life in the violent Black Legion to Jackson.

Fearing that Jackson might expose them, Taylor informs the Black Legion leadership about what Jackson knows. The leadership orders Taylor to capture and execute Jackson.

Jackson threatens to inform local authorities about the group. He remains determined to expose the conspiracy.

One evening, Taylor and disguised Legion members kidnap Jackson; he briefly escapes. In a panic, Taylor shoots and kills him.

Taylor is arrested for Jackson's murder. Ruth returns to support him at the trial. The Black Legion's lawyer threatens Taylor's wife and son to stop him from implicating the group. In court, Taylor speaks the truth, implicating the organization.

In the end, all local members of the Black Legion are sentenced to life in prison for Jackson's murder, including Frank Taylor. The verdict marks the downfall of the group's influence in the town.