"For those who select a career of crime, there awaits relentless punishment and prosecution." Cautionary, crime-does-not-pay messages from governors of three states provide the introduction to this brisk blend of gangster and film noir genres written and directed by Andrew Stone (Julie, Cry Terror!). Steve Cochran (White Heat) plays George Legenza, the hot-headed, quick-fingered leader of the Tri-State Gang. The gang is elusive, tight-lipped, and stone-cold murderous. But it's starting to fray from within. And from without, the law is drawing closer. A citizen has reported a crucial piece of evidence - a partial license-plate number. The hunt is on.

Filmmaker Andrew Stone was always a staunch believer in realism at all costs. Thus it was that much of HIGHWAY 301 was lensed on a genuine (and very busy) interstate highway. Based on fact, the film recounts the bloody exploits of the notorious "Tri-State Gang," which preyed upon truck drivers. Gang leader George Legenza (Steve Cochran) will kill anyone who stands in his way--even his own henchmen. Before meeting his well-deserved demise, Legenza leads the authorities on a not-so-merry chase through Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. A few welcome comic moments are provided by Virginia Grey, playing the soap-opera-fan wife of one of the gang members.