When New York cops lose a psychopathic killer named Benesch (Steve Ihnat), Commssioner Russell (Henry Fonda) becomes incensed and demands they capture him in 72 hours. Madigan (Richard Widmark) has old fashioned and hard-working cop scruples, but also has a problematic marriage to Julia (Inger Stevens) and does not care for the Commissioner or his attitude. His partner Bonaro (Harry Guardino) is more in harmony in his personal life, and sees the job for what it is. Chief Inspector Kane (James Whitmore) is sympathetic, but knows politics control the New York department. The Commissioner, in contrast, is a bureaucrat who does his work with neat efficiency, but little feeling or sense of involvement.