A miscarriage of justice results in Willis Newton languishing in prison, where he discovers a harsh truth: money holds the key to gaining social status in the unforgiving environment of incarceration. Determined to rise in the hierarchy, he teams up with Slim and Glasscock—two fellow inmates—for a daring bank robbery in broad daylight. Unfortunately, their bold plan unravels, leading to Slim's capture during their hasty escape on horseback. Nevertheless, Willis and Glasscock manage to evade capture and encounter a bank director willing to purchase their stolen war bonds. This profitable meeting uncovers essential information regarding numerous banks, thus kickstarting their ascending criminal careers.
Embarking on a string of nocturnal bank heists, Willis and Glasscock leverage cars for their escapes. Glasscock, proficient in handling nitroglycerin, expertly uses it to blast open safes. Fueled by a profound sense of injustice, Willis persuades his brothers to back their illicit endeavors, declaring that bankers are the real criminals and their heists are merely smaller thieves robbing from larger ones. He justifies their actions further by arguing that the banks are insured and that the insurance companies would ultimately profit from their robberies.
The notorious Newton gang continues their onslaught of bank robberies, while some bankers engage in dishonest practices, inflating their reported losses. This leads insurance companies to pressure banks into investing in stronger safes, resistant to nitroglycerin. Faced with setbacks, the Newtons relocate their operations to Toronto, where they plan a bold attack on a cash transport vehicle during daylight.
Despite thorough preparations for their Toronto heist, unforeseen circumstances disrupt their plans, forcing a close escape for the gang members. Unshaken, Willis resolves to leave his criminal life behind and pursue a legitimate business avenue. However, his venture into an oil well turns disastrous, emptying his finances and plunging him into despair. In this bleak moment, he grapples with doubt, feeling that God has blocked his efforts to turn his life around.
In a twist of fate, desperation leads Willis back into crime: a night-time train robbery. Unfortunately, Glasscock, who previously excelled with nitroglycerin, falters with a gun. In a panicked moment, he mistakenly shoots Willis’ brother, Dock Newton, believing he was a guard. Driven by unwavering loyalty, Willis seeks medical help for his injured brother, inadvertently exposing their identities to law enforcement.
Ultimately, all the Newton brothers are apprehended and sentenced for their crimes. The once infamous gang, led by a misguided sense of justice and an insatiable thirst for financial security, meet their tragic conclusion behind bars.
