Living by his fists and his wits has suited Sam Dollar, who along with his partner, Hugh O'Hanlon, have roamed the West, taking life as it comes. That is until he meets Kathleen Rexrode, the star of the play, The Santa Rita Rose. A beautiful woman with fire and confidence, she's a match for him in every way, except his heart. The thrill of the gamble is irresistible and he follows it to Brazil, then Europe, where he meets the enigmatic Joan Cacella. With her tragic death, he is once more drawn to America where he faces the biggest gamble of all.