To rid the range of a gang of outlaws that are rustling cattle and robbing the banks and stagecoaches, cowhand Bob Calem, working on the gang-leader's superstitions, dons a skeleton-costume to strike fear into the gang.
The opening scenes of this epic of Wild Life and Smoking Revolvers shows the peace loving, All-Colored City of Boley, Oklahoma, snuggling itself on the great Oklahoma Prairie. Its peace has been disturbed by a Band of Outlaws. "The Skull," and his "Terrors," have sown mortal fear into the hearts of the less intrepid of the Countryside, and they have the Sheriff in their power. "The Law and Order League" force his resignation and offer $5,000.00 for the capture of "The Skull," Dead or Alive. Lem Nelson, fearless Cattleman and owner of the Crown C Ranch, is persuaded to take the Sheriff's job. Bob Calem, his ranch foreman, is in love with Nelson's daughter, Anita, and he volunteers his aid to help capture "The Skull." In order to effect the capture of "The Skull," Bob joins his "Gang." While a member, Anita and Steve Reynolds, a one legged cowboy, are captured by "The Skull." Bob aids them to escape and is accused of being a traitor. As there is no definite proof of his guilt, and opinion is equally divided between members of the "Gang," he is tried by the test of "The Crimson Skull." One drop of blood decides his fate, if he shall live or die.
