It is a remake of the 1952 film High Noon, also written by Foreman, itself based on the 1947 Collier's magazine short story "The Tin Star" by John W. Cunningham.

The film stars Tom Skerritt, Susanna Thompson, Reed Diamond, María Conchita Alonso, Dennis Weaver, August Schellenberg and Michael Madsen.

However, Kane then learns that Frank Miller, a gunfighter and killer he brought to justice years ago, has been pardoned and will arrive in Hadleyville on the noon train.

Miller's old gang has returned to join him, and a message arrives stating that his first order of business will be to shoot Kane dead as revenge for convicting him.

Some are sympathetic to Miller as his notoriety made the town famous and they blame Kane for ruining a good thing, while others are afraid of him or feel that it isn't their responsibility to uphold the law.