Ernie Matthews, who operates the prison electric chair, is having a crisis of conscience about his role as state executioner. His unrequited love for Joan Wright, another prison employee, adds to his depression. She in turn loves Johnny Martin, the warden`s chauffeur and a trustee eligible shortly for parole. When the despondent Matthews goes to a local road house after an execution to get drunk, he`s taunted by a sadistic reporter, and a brawl results. Because Johnny came to Matthews` aid in the fight, the parole board, pressured by the press, turns down his expected release, and Johnny reacts bitterly, forcing the warden to rescind his privileges. When Johnny`s mentally challenged cell mate Big Billy strangles a sadistic warder, it is only Johnny`s intervention that keeps a second guard from being killed. Another vindictive convict, Gus Barth, the only living witness to Johnny`s heroism, spitefully hides the truth, hoping that Johnny goes to the electric chair.