Timmy, a crippled youngster, and his grandfather live an idyllic
existence on a remote farm, where Timmy enjoys the company of many
wildlife friends. One night, their peace is disturbed by the arrival
of armored car robber Johnny Nelson, his girl friend, Midge Gray (Anne
Gwynne), and
sidekick, Bugs Mason, who are on the run not only from the police, but
from gangster Menelli, who thinks that Johnny has double-crossed him.
When Johnny, who intends to use the farm as a hideout until they can
arrange to leave the country, passes out, Grandpa removes a bullet
from his chest. Later, after Timmy takes them fishing and they meet
many of his wildlife companions, Johnny and Midge begin to fall under
the spell of the peaceful valley. However, Pretty Boy, one of Menelli's henchmen, finds them and tells Johnny that Menelli wants
half of the robbery money.
Johnny and Pretty Boy then struggle for
possession of a gun, and Pretty Boy is killed. Later, Grandpa is
escorted by Midge and Bugs to a nearby village to do some shopping
and, upon his return, shows Johnny a poster he found at the post
office, announcing a $10,000 reward for his capture. Police Chief
Scott, who has been tailing Pretty Boy, comes to the cabin and
confronts Johnny, but decides not to arrest him yet as he wants to
recover the money, which Johnny has hidden.
Later, Scott tells Johnny
that Menelli has found out about Pretty Boy and is coming after him,
and suggests that if he turns himself in, he may only receive a
four-year sentence. Aware that the reward money could be claimed by
Grandpa, who has been saving for an operation on Timmy's foot, Johnny
agrees to consider this, as both he and Midge have grown fond of the
youngster. However, Grandpa has a heart attack while plowing and,
before dying, asks Johnny to take care of Timmy.
Johnny and Bugs
decide to give themselves up, but as they are about to leave, Menelli
and his men show up and kill Bugs. Menelli is about to kill Johnny,
but is distracted by a bear cub, which he then shoots. After the cub's
mother attacks and kills Menelli, Johnny gives himself up. The next
day, as Johnny leaves with Scott, Timmy and Midge tell him that they
will wait for his return.
