A veritable master of the trade, con man Mordecai Jones has taken part in his fair share of scams. When he happens upon a young army deserter, Curley, Jones decides to pass on his knowledge of swindling to the likable novice. As the two blaze through the rural South, Curley meets Bonnie Lee Packard, a girl of privilege, who helps the two crooks evade the local sheriff. But Curley soon questions his newfound profession.