Public Cowboy No. 1

A rash of cattle rustlings begins as cattle are slaughtered on the range and carcasses are removed. Sheriff Doniphon and his deputies guard the cattle as they are driven toward Box Canyon, but the attack happens in their absence. The raiders later escalate their operation using planes to locate cattle and refrigerated trucks to haul away the carcasses.

After the sheriff leaves, the rustlers coordinate via radio from an airplane to locate the cattle. They bring in refrigerator trucks to haul away the carcasses. The rancher and one of his workers are murdered during the raid, deepening the community's fear.

Newspaper editor Helen Morgan pushes for Sheriff Doniphon to be replaced, claiming he is out of touch with modern crime. Gene Autry defends the sheriff, arguing his loyalty and the man’s character. Helen refuses to change her stance despite Gene's defense.

Gene Autry and Frog Millhouse begin looking into the raids. Suspicion falls on the Chicago and Western Packing Co., run by Jack Shannon and Jim. The deputies uncover the carcasses and seek the hides to verify brands.

The deputies question the cattle hides, and Jim lies that the cattle belong to his partner Thad Slaughter and that Slaughter has the hides at his ranch. Gene and the sheriff suspect a larger scheme. The lie ties the raid to the Slaughter operation.

As they head to Slaughter's ranch, Gene and Doniphon discover Frog locked inside Jim's truck. They chase the truck, and Jim shoots Sheriff Doniphon, though he is not seriously wounded. The dramatic moment confirms a serious threat to the sheriff.

Later that afternoon, Frog identifies Jim as the shooter. Jim is taken to jail, and Jack and Slaughter worry that he may talk and expose the larger operation.

That night, Thad Slaughter summons Jim to the jail window and beats him to death, eliminating the risk of testimony. The town learns the price of snitching in their new regime.

The next day, townspeople demand Sheriff Doniphon's resignation. Eustace P. Quackenbush and his private detectives are hired to end the raids using modern, scientific methods and to restore order. The clash between old and new approaches begins.

During a welcoming party, Jack learns that Bidwell's men are in town and informs the rustlers to head to Bidwell's ranch. The plan is laid for a major raid against a well-protected ranch.

In Bidwell's ranch territory, Frog and Stubby lie in wait for the desperados, wearing cow costumes to blend with the herd. Their ruse aims to trap the rustlers as they approach the ranch.

Hearing the broadcast, Gene uses the radio to call all local cowboys to defend Bidwell's ranch against the rustlers. The defenders rally and prepare to repel the raid.

The rustlers try to flee when confronted by the posse, while Frog and Stubby themselves have to dodge an amorous bull attracted by the cow costumes. The scene injects humor into the tense confrontation.

Quackenbush's automobiles and detectives get stuck in the mud as cowboys ride past on horses. The rustlers are quickly rounded up by the vigilant posse. Tear gas grenades detonate accidentally, complicating the operation but aiding the outcome.

Sheriff Doniphon shoots Jack as he tries to use Helen as a hostage, proving that old-fashioned methods can still win. The town witnesses a dramatic demonstration of courage and resolve.