Racketeer Jack Avery is stopped for speeding and detained by Sheriff Melton in the small town of Hartsdale. Determined to avoid extradition on a murder charge, he directs henchman Rick Herron to abduct the sheriff's wife Helen and offer to swap Helen's release for Avery's. Dan Mathews advises the sheriff to release Avery so that he can be followed using the Highway Patrol helicopter. Avery and Herron conceal their cars in a cave in a very remote area. They plan to escape later under cover of ...[Read Story ]
Shirley MacLaine won a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Drama) for her performance, but failed to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. As of 2004, this is the only time the Golden Globe Best Actress winner was not even nominated for the Oscar.