Bank robbers and killers cause mayhem in a small western town.

Newspaper reporter, Hildy Johnson is engaged and planning to move to New York for a higher-paying job. While waiting to cover the hanging of Earl Williams, the prisoner escapes, so Hildy seizes the opportunity by using his $260 honeymoon money to payoff an insider and get the scoop on the escape. However, Hildy then stumbles upon the bewildered escapee and hides him in a roll-top desk in the press room.