Montana

The early wars raged over cattle versus sheep with a sign declaring that any sheep herders crossing the line would be shot. The plains and border zones are a powder keg as both sides suffer casualties. The first casualty is a young unarmed Mexican watchman who is shot by a local cattle gang in the night.

The next morning Morgan and his men bury the watchman and encounter Papa Schultz, a travelling peddler. Morgan forces Schultz to pretend they are partners so that he can blend into town and uncover the local ruffians. They ride into town together to identify who controls the area.

In town, Morgan poses as a peddler and spots the gang in the saloon. Slim Reeves challenges him to a pistol duel, attempting to draw first, but Morgan shoots the gun out of Slim's hand. The display confirms Morgan’s sharpshooting to the wary locals.

Morgan learns that three powerful landowners rule the area: Maria Singleton, her fiancé Rod Ackroyd, and the wealthier Forsythe. Their opposition to sheep herders signals a broader conflict over land and livelihoods. The power dynamics set the stage for future clashes.

Morgan visits the Singleton ranch with a guitar for Maria, and they share a lighthearted sing-along. Rod bets Morgan he can stay on a wild horse for a minute, but Slim cuts the stirrup so Morgan falls short. Maria offers to rent him land instead, believing it will benefit both parties.

The following day, Maria discovers that Morgan is a sheep herder, not a cattleman, and she is furious at being betrayed. The revelation strains their fragile connection and foreshadows looming conflict. Morgan’s deception becomes a cornerstone of the mounting feud.

That night Morgan gathers minority cattlemen, with the banker and Forsythe, to plan another war against the cattle owners. Forsythe hosts a party and announces their intentions to take the land by force and to fight. The uneasy alliance begins to take shape as tensions escalate.

Maria confronts Morgan about his deceit during the house party, and he tears up the lease and returns it to her. They exchange a kiss, but the moment is short-lived as she learns that he still intends to wage war against her and her friends. Her anger and passion complicate their relationship.

Slim shoots and kills Forsythe, triggering a fight with Morgan. In the ensuing chaos, Slim fires his own pistol and accidentally kills himself. The feud between Morgan and the opposing faction intensifies as casualties mount.

Morgan, his men, and the sheriff join forces with minority cattle owners to move the sheep through the territory. They steel themselves against the main obstacle: a cattle stampede organized by Rod and his men. The plan sets the stage for a dramatic crossing.

They head off the stampede and manage to turn it away from their herd. In the chaotic battle, the sheriff and Rod are killed. The cost of the feud becomes increasingly clear as more lives are lost.

Morgan proceeds with moving the sheep through the main street. Maria rides into town with a gun and waits in the middle of the street. She shoots Morgan in the shoulder and he collapses; she drops the gun and runs to his side. They reconcile with a kiss, ending the feud on a note of mutual affection.