To escape the attentions of a trio of eager bachelors, nubile Manhattanite Molly Truesdale (Jean Arthur) leaves for a bus tour of the American West led by eccentric guide Smiley Lambert (Phil Silvers). During one of the stops, Truesdale has an exchange with handsome but crude rodeo rider Duke Hudkins (John Wayne). After Truesdale reluctantly agrees to accompany the unrefined Hudkins on a night on the town, she finds herself slowly being charmed by his backward country ways.