On the evening of his decoration for bringing a murderer to justice, Washington DC Police Captain Frank Matthews' wife, and her lover are murdered in bed. Jailed as the prime suspect, with the aforementioned murderer released on a technicality Matthews escapes in search of the man he believes to be the real killer.

George Peppardas Capt. Frank Matthews
Jean Sebergas Adele Matthews
Richard Kileyas Woodrow Wilson King
Charles McGrawas Deputy Chief John P. Hildebrand
Madeleine Sherwoodas Mrs. Eileen Sanderson
Robert F. Lyonsas Paul Martin Sanderson
Paul McGrathas Senator Augustus Cole
Stewart Mossas Richard D'Angelo
Lionel Lindon