In a boxcar heading west from Kansas to Colorado convicted felon Archibald Graves sits in chains while his two guards, the young and naive Sam Tate and the grizzled veteran Percival Book, watch over him. Having arrived at their destination Graves awaits his punishment, to be hung by the neck until dead.

As they wait to take the stage Graves sees an opportunity. He asks his guards for a favour - a cigarette - claiming it is necessary to complete his character. Graves sees no difference between live executions and live theatre, and he views himself and his guards as mere characters in the ultimate life and death performance.