On the testimony of a known criminal and without a shred of evidence, Jack, a cocky rodeo star, is railroaded into jail for a double homicide. He begins to serve his life sentence at Angola Prison while the judge, deputy sheriff, and district attorney are rewarded with victorious re-elections. The rodeo proves to be Jack's salvation in prison, and attracts outside attention. A fellow convict, studying law, helps Jack to file an appeal while Jack's wife gets an attorney interested in her husband's case.