After moving to Pasadena, Texas, countryboy Bud Davis starts hanging round a bar called Gilley's with Sissy, a cowgirl who believes that the genders are equivalent. Their relationship is as a result of Bud's conventional perspective of gender roles, although they marry. Jealousy within his rival, Wes, contributes for their separation, however, Bud attempts to acquire Sissy straight back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull riding contest.