City girl Mollie J. Truesdale (Jean Arthur) sets off on a two-week tourist trip of the American West, led by guide Smiley Lambert (Phil Silvers). Although Mollie is being wooed by three suitors back in New York City, it is macho cowboy Duke Hudkins (John Wayne) who catches her eye when they inadvertently meet at a rodeo. There is instant chemistry between them, but Mollie soon finds out that Duke likes his bachelor freedom, content with just his partner, Waco (Charles Winninger), and his horse.