After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis starts hanging around a bar called Gilleys, where he falls in love with Sissy, a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Buds traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilleys mechanical bull-riding competition.