Major Jerry Reynolds, who supervises missile development, is looking to leave the Air Force. Due to launch failures, the Air Force sends an investigator, who happens to have a grudge against Reynolds. When he is murdered, Jerry is charged.
Major Jerry Reynolds is in charge of a rocket project at the Vandenberg Air Force base and they are having major problems. Their most recent launch failed and another attempt is scheduled. It will be the last try for Dan Morgan whose company will lose it's contract to George Huxley's firm if they fail again. The main scientist on the project for Morgan has a severe drinking problem while the Morgan public relations representative is having an affair with Huxley. Reynolds also has to put up with Captain Mike Caldwell from the Inspector General's office who is there to look into the project. Caldwell blames Reynolds for not being promoted so there is a chill in the air. Reynolds plans to resign his commission to take a job with Huxley due to his father's financial problems. He asks Perry to look over the job contract before he signs to make sure there is no conflict of interest. A scientist finds evidence of what caused the last launch failure which is ultimately found hidden in Reynolds hard hat after having been in the possession of Caldwell. When Caldwell is found dead, Reynolds is charged with murder. His old World War II friend Perry Mason agrees to defend him.—garykmcd