Crystal Benson (Dorothy McGuire), a small-town newspaper owner, fears her former husband, Steve Blackford (Stephen McNally), is stalking her. In flashbacks, Crystal relates her secret past: While young, she marries charismatic mobster Steve. When he grows increasingly violent, Crystal runs away and assumes a new identity. When a prostitute accidentally dies in Steve's house and Crystal cannot be found, he's jailed for her murder. Now, having served his time, Steve comes to town for revenge.