Sam McCord (John Wayne) and his partner George Pratt (Stewart Granger) have struck it rich in the gold rush in Alaska. Sam is going to Seattle to buy mining equipment and to bring back George's fiancee, while George stays in Alaska to build a cabin for his new bride. In Seattle Sam finds that his partner's beloved is already married. He then goes to a saloon where he meets the lovely Michelle (Capucine), a young lady eager to make as much money as she can. When it's time for Sam to return to Alaska, he has an idea. Why not take Michelle as a replacement for Jenie. Michelle agrees to go thinking that Sam really wants her for himself. And the fun begins.