This highly fictionalized biography chronicles the exploits leading up to the execution of the notorious labor leader. The story begins as he is seen immigrating from Sweden to the U.S. Once there he began his involvement with the Wobblies (the Industrial Workers of the World). He becomes more deeply involved with the union. Hill was never without his banjo, and soon he began to write labor songs. After working with the Wobblies for a while, Hill travelled to Utah. There he attempts to protect a woman he loved, takes the blame for a murder and is executed before a firing squad.