Reprisal!

Frank Madden purchases a ranch near a small town and begins hiring American Indian workers to help run it. His presence stirs resentment among the local residents, especially the Shipleys who had been grazing their cattle there. Madden's decision to hire Indian labor marks the start of social tension in the community.

The elder Indian Matara arrives at the ranch and reveals that Madden is his grandson and half Indian, a truth Madden has tried to hide by passing as white. Matara persuades him to stop denying his heritage and to pretend he is the Indian houseman rather than the owner. This revelation begins Madden's inner conflict and changes his relationships with the ranch workers and the townspeople.

Before Madden even buys the ranch, Takola's wife is killed by the Shipley brothers near a dead tree on the property. Takola returns to the hanging tree and shoots at Madden, mistaking him for one of the Shipleys. Madden survives the shot and learns from Takola about the murder, though he denies seeing Takola and tells him not to return.

Madden develops romantic feelings for Catherine Cantrell, the daughter of the local land agent who helped sell him the ranch. Their budding romance underscores Madden's longing for a new start and complicates the social tensions around his ownership. Catherine's presence also symbolizes a potential bridge between Madden and the town.

One Shipley brother begins an affair with Taini, a young Indian woman Madden has befriended. The affair sparks jealousy and fuels the rumor that Taini is also involved with Madden, deepening mistrust between Madden and the Shipleys. The town's tensions escalate as rumors spread.

A Shipley brother confronts Madden in the saloon; Madden punches him and walks into the street, daring the man to shoot him in the back. The crowd watches, but the Shipleys hesitate to shoot with so many witnesses. The moment crystallizes the danger surrounding Madden yet shows his refusal to back down.

That night, Takola catches the Shipley brother who threatened Madden in town and shoots him in the back on the ranch road. The killing intensifies the feud and sets off a chain of accusations that Madden must confront. Takola's action ties Madden's fate to the older Indian communities.

The Shipley brothers arrive with their dead brother's body and publicly accuse Madden of murder due to the earlier incident in the saloon. When a posse tries to shoot Madden down in the street, the Sheriff intervenes and arrests him instead. The town's split verdict on Madden's guilt becomes evident.

A mob gathers in the saloon and storms the jail, intending to lynch Madden. Catherine and the Sheriff beg the mob to wait for a trial, but the enraged townspeople press on. The Sheriff is overpowered, and Madden is carried toward the hanging tree despite pleas for justice.

Taini steps forward and claims Madden was with her all night, a lie that the mob believes to spare him the lynching. Catherine believes the lie and leaves Madden, unable to trust him in the moment. The town's fears and rumors continue to overshadow Madden’s innocence.

Madden's grandfather Matara arrives in a wagon with Taini and a pistol intended to defend Madden. The Shipleys open fire, hitting Taini in the arm and wounding Matara while Madden takes up the pistol and shoots both Shipleys. Matara dies in Madden's arms, sealing the tragedy and his chosen path.

With Matara dead and the clan conflict escalating, Madden reveals his Indian name Neola and admits his true heritage to the town. He decides to sell the ranch and move on, seeking a fresh start elsewhere. The Sheriff indicates Takola had shot a Shipley brother and supports giving Takola a fair trial.

Catherine arrives in traveling dress, choosing to stand by Madden one more time. After a brief conversation, the two ride away together, signaling a hopeful departure from the town's prejudice. The Sheriff’s words leave a sense that Madden might return someday.