The Jack Bull

Myrl Redding attempts to move his horses toward Casper but is charged a ten-dollar toll by Ballard, a wealthy landowner who claims the land is his. Unable to pay, he leaves two horses as collateral and entrusts Billy to guard them.

After selling the horses in Casper, Redding returns to Ballard's ranch to discover the horses malnourished and beaten. Billy is missing, and Redding vows Ballard must make them healthy again.

Redding resolves to seek legal redress, but the local lawyer doubts the case will succeed. He learns that Judge Wilkins is friendly with Ballard and fears the court's fairness.

The lawyer's skepticism deepens when Redding learns the lawsuit may be dismissed. The looming influence of Judge Wilkins makes the outcome seem hopeless.

Redding discovers that Judge Wilkins has indeed thrown out the lawsuit. The setback confirms his sense that the legal system is aligned against him.

Some of Ballard's men attack Woody and throw him in front of a horse carriage. The carriage swerves to avoid him and hits Cora, killing her.

Enraged by the failure of legal recourse, Redding rallies a militia of ranchers and farmers and launches an assault on Ballard's home. Ballard flees as his defenses crumble.

Ballard pleads his case to the Governor, who responds by dispatching a sheriff to arrest Redding. The governor's intervention underscores the political protection Ballard enjoys.

Redding ambushes the sheriff's party; a clash ensues and one of Ballard's men is killed in the chaos.

The Governor offers amnesty on the condition that Redding surrender. Redding accepts the offer, hoping to avoid further bloodshed.

Redding later sends a letter pledging to support Billy's tribe against the United States, jeopardizing the amnesty. The move further worsens his legal standing.

Redding is charged with murder following the violent episodes and is convicted. The verdict seals his fate.

Judge Joe B. Tolliver orders Ballard to restore the horses' health. He also sentences Ballard to two years in prison.

Tolliver sentences Redding to be executed after the murder conviction. The sentence marks the final descent of his path to the gallows.

Redding is hanged after saying goodbye to his son Cage. Wyoming becomes a state, and Cage and Woody take the two healthy horses back to the Redding ranch.