Alan Squier, a disillusioned and destitute intellectual, is hitch-hiking across the Arizona desert. He arrives at the desolate Black Mesa Bar-B-Q, where he meets the naively idealistic Gabrielle Maple, whose internal struggle reflects her mixed heritage. Half romantic French, half practical American, Gaby dreams of escaping her dull life to live in France. She is immediately attracted to Alan's lofty philosophies, but their short-lived, innocent romance is shattered by the sudden arrival of Duke Mantee and his gang. Mantee, a brutal killer heading for the Mexican border, uses the restaurant as his hide-out, holding a small group captive while he waits for his girl. Under the strain of captivity, each hostage displays his true nature. The wealthy Edith Chisholm regrets the loss of her goals in exchange for a shallow life with Mr. Chisholm. Boze Hertzlinger, a local football star who is infatuated with Gaby, finds out that brute, physical strength is no match for an outlaw's gun. Finally, Alan admits that he is living in a world of outmoded ideas and strikes a deal with Mantee. Alan will sign his life insurance over to Gaby, if Mantee agrees to shoot him. Gaby, ignorant of Alan's sacrifice, inherits his money to pursue her dream. Duke escapes to meet certain death at the hands of the authorities.