Minnie, the young owner of the Polka Saloon in Northern California, is a friend and confidant to all of the miners who frequent her saloon. Sheriff Jack Rance, a former gambler, is in love with Minnie and wants to marry her, but has kept secret the fact that he already is married to another woman. Minnie refuses him and all other suitors. One day, a wounded bandit who calls himself Dick Johnson determines to rob the Polka of all of the gold which the miners keep there. However, when Dick meets Minnie, she kindly dresses his wounds, causing him to change his mind. Minnie and Dick soon fall in love, but a jealous Rance is determined to see Dick hanged. Minnie hides Dick in her cabin in the woods, but he is discovered. Minnie then wins his freedom in a poker game with Rance and, with the help of her loyal friends, she and Dick are able to find happiness together.