In the late 19th century, charismatic outlaw Paris Pitman Jr. successfully robs a wealthy family in Arizona, hiding the loot in a snake-infested cave. Captured and sentenced to a remote desert prison, Pitman schemes to escape and reclaim his hidden riches. Inside the prison, Pitman navigates a fragile hierarchy, manipulating both guards and inmates to aid his plans. He forms alliances with colorful characters, including aggrieved former doctor Dudley Whinner; sly con artist Cyrus McNutt; and Floyd Moon, a naive young man who dreams of freedom.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed, idealistic warden, Woodward Lopeman, is determined to reform the prison and its inmates with humane treatment and rehabilitation. Lopeman and Pitman engage in a battle of wits, as Lopeman attempts to understand and subdue the manipulative convict. The tension between Pitman’s cunning escape plans and Lopeman’s reformist efforts escalates, creating an atmosphere of growing suspense. As the story unfolds, alliances shift, and unpredictability reigns, setting the stage for an intense showdown.