One of the stranger westerns to come out of Hollywood, the title character is played by the imposing Sterling Hayden.

Johnny Guitar is the former lover of Arizona saloon owner, Vienna (Joan Crawford). Although her bar isn't bringing in any money, Vienna knows that when the railroad is complete, customers won't be a problem anymore. Righteous local, Emma Small, is most unhappy about Vienna's bar and the prospect of more settlers. Emma will do almost anything to purge the town of Vienna, and with the law and the other ranchers on her side, Vienna has her work cut out trying to keep the antagonists at bay. Enter Johnny Guitar, the infamous gunslinger and pistol-for-hire...