Newly appointed sheriff Pat Garrett is pleased when his old friend Doc Holliday arrives in Lincoln, New Mexico on the stage. Doc is trailing his stolen horse, and it is discovered in the possession of Billy the Kid. In a surprising turnaround, Billy and Doc become friends. This causes the friendship between Doc and Pat to cool. The odd relationship between Doc and Billy grows stranger when Doc hides Billy at his girl Rio's place after Billy is shot.

Jack Buetelas Billy the Kid
Jane Russellas Rio McDonald
Thomas Mitchellas Pat Garrett
Walter Hustonas Doc Holliday
Mimi Agugliaas Guadalupe
Joe Sawyeras Charley Woodruff
Gene Rizzias Stranger
Martín Garralagaas Mike the Waiter (uncredited)
Ben Johnsonas Deputy (uncredited)
Gregg Toland