Just off the train in Los Angeles, unassuming accountant Gene Watson (Johnny Depp) and his 6-year-old daughter (Courtney Chase) get drawn into a conspiracy to snuff California's governor (Marsha Mason). In the depot, Ms. Jones (Roma Maffia) snatches the girl while Mr. Smith (Christopher Walken) gives the dazed Watson a pistol, a half-dozen slugs and lays down the law: Whack the governor within 90 minutes, or it's the end for the shrimp.