An innocent man is found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, but as he's about to be hanged he accidentally kills his executioner. He now faces a new trial, presided over by a young and inexperienced judge.

George Maharis
as Ben Lewis

Earl Holliman
as Brian Talbot

Laura Devon
as Rosemary Berquist

Katy Jurado
as Eulalia Lewis

Gene Hackman
as Harmsworth

Arthur O'Connell
as Judge Hockstadter

Sidney Blackmer
as Col. Oates

John Anderson
as Dietrich

Whit Bissell
as Bruce Donnelly

Kent Smith
as Oliver Parmalee