In a small, dusty town in the Old West, the ornamental, alcohol-dependent lawman, Sheriff "Tequila" Joe Donnell, witnesses, without intervening, the bloody feud between the rivalling gangs of Manuel Trianas and Rock Mulligan. After having one drink too many, reluctantly, Donnell enlists the help of the bright-eyed newcomer, Deputy Burt, who, unsuccessfully, tries to awaken the sheriff's dormant courage and the sense of honour and duty in him. However, the guns, and the federal troops stationed in the neighbouring town of San Raphael, have the final say, and now, the washed-up officer of the law has to brace himself up for the final confrontation, to reclaim his town. Is Tequila Joe up to the task?