A savings-and-loan bank is robbed; later, a police wiretap identifies meek bank teller Leon Poole as the inside man. In capturing him, detective Sam Wagner accidentally kills Poole's young wife, and at his trial Poole swears vengeance against Wagner. Poole begins his plans to get revenge when he escapes his captors.

Joseph Cotten
as Detective Sam Wagner

Rhonda Fleming
as Lila Wagner

Wendell Corey
as Leon 'Foggy' Poole

Alan Hale Jr.
as Detective Denny

Michael Pate
as Detective Chris Gillespie

John Larch
as Otto Flanders

Dee J. Thompson
as Grace Flanders

John Beradino
as Mac

Virginia Christine
as Mary Gillespie

Paul Bryar
as Greg Boyd