A charismatic, superstitious and moody man, Jesse James presides over a ragtag gang of outlaws who fear his quick temper and even quicker shooting ability. Young Robert Ford worships Jesse and joins the James Gang, only to become resentful of his hero. Intent on taking Jesse's place, the young upstart hatches a plan to kill the fastest gun in the West. But after gunning Jesse James down, Robert Ford lives out the rest of his days tormented by the cold-blooded killing of his former mentor.