墨西哥边境小镇来了一位大镖客（克林特·伊斯特伍德 Clint Eastwood 饰），他得知镇上势不两立的两大帮派罗霍兄弟和镇长巴克斯特相厮杀已久，便决定与两派补救，除往镇上恶势力，恢复小镇的安静。他目击罗霍兄弟劫杀了一队士兵并私占黄金，因此行使两具士兵尸身吸引巴克斯特来寻觅罗霍兄弟的罪证。同时，他又将动静流露给罗霍兄弟，致使两边展开…

When he learns his days are numbered old count Hervé de Kéraudren decides to hide in a secret alcove and to die there, just to annoy his heirs. As a result of his body not being found the latter will have to wait for five years until they …