The Threat

A police call informs Detective Ray Williams that Red Kluger has escaped from Folsom Prison, igniting a fresh threat. Ray, nursing a broken rib, is warned to consider a desk job as his coming baby approaches. The news foreshadows the danger that will soon engulf him and his family.

Kluger and his gang ambush Ray Williams just as he is about to leave, kidnapping him. They also seize district attorney Barker MacDonald, and nightclub singer Carol is taken after being suspected of being a rat. The captors make clear their intent to kill both men to exact revenge.

Kluger reveals his plan to have Tony come from Mexico City to Banning to assist with the robbery and provide a getaway plane. He promises Tony a share of the proceeds and safety for the escape route. The arrangement ties the trip across borders to their desert town operation.

The gang hires Joe Turner to drive a truck and haul a car cargo toward Palm Springs, with Kluger and his henchmen along for the ride. The loaded car contains the captives, setting up the getaway that hinges on a successful departure. The desert transport marks the move from capture to escape.

The group arrives at a shack outside the town of Banning where Ray and MacDonald are restrained in a back room. Kluger waits for Tony while the remaining henchmen keep watch over the captives. The setting tightens the tension as the escape plan proceeds.

Kluger threatens to torture Barker MacDonald to pressure Ray into giving the police a false lead on the radio. Ray complies, hoping to delay pursuit and buy time for a clean getaway. The moment reveals the brutal tactics behind their plan.

Ray secretly arranges a clue for his wife by asking the police radio operator to tell Ann to pass along regards to their unborn child, Dexter. Ann recalls Ray's earlier remark about naming the baby Dexter only if a gun is pressed to his back. The coded message hints at the peril he faces.

Carol quietly slips the handcuff keys to Ray and MacDonald in the back room, enabling a potential escape. She remains outwardly loyal to Kluger, but quietly aids the captives when the moment arises. The small act could turn the tide of the confrontation.

Ray and MacDonald subdue and tie up the other henchmen, then call out to Kluger to come forward. The captives regain some control as tension peaks in the back room. The plan to escape begins to materialize.

Kluger shoots Ray through the door, wounding him in the leg. Ray scrambles up into the rafters above the door, preparing to strike when the moment is right. The standoff intensifies as Tony's plane is spotted overhead.

Ray corners Kluger as he advances; Kluger overpowers Ray, but Carol grabs the gun and shoots Kluger twice, killing him. Ray gets up, grateful to Carol for the timely intervention. He resolves to deal with Tony and finish the escape plan.

With Kluger dead, Ray contemplates how to handle Tony's arrival and the rest of their getaway. The immediate danger eases as relief spreads among the captives, while plans shift toward reunifying with Ann and the unborn child. The unresolved tension remains as the plane looms overhead.

The film ends with Ray and Ann discussing the baby's name. Ann reveals that only one child will be named Dexter, because they are expecting twins. The moment closes the loop on the couple's bond amid the peril they endured.