Bud is a country boy who moves to Texas to work in an oil refinery and ends up marrying local girl Sissy. However, her head is turned when an ex-convict rodeo rider pitches into town and sets up a mechanical bull-riding contest. Realising that his neglect has driven his wife away, Bud puts his mind to honing his riding skills to win the competition as well as Sissy's heart. Romantic drama, with John Travolta, Debra Winger and Scott Glenn.

After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, 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 Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.