Vienna is a strong-willed, aggressive woman. She has built a saloon near an Arizona cattle town with money earned in her past life as a prostitute. She has a fiery relationship with the local cattlemen and townsfolk for many reasons. She supports the construction of a railroad across her land. This construction will make her land very valuable. The cattlemen oppose the railroad because it will bring sheepmen into the area. Sheepmen fence the land, making it difficult to herd cattle. She also permits a suspected stage robber called The Dancin' Kid to share her bed. His gang members hang out in her saloon. Vienna summons her ex-lover and reformed gunslinger Johnny Guitar to her side. She needs protection. The two renew their love.