In 1867, John O'Hanlan and Harley Sullivan are aging cowboys working on open cattle ranges in Texas. John gets a letter from an attorney in Cheyenne, Wyoming, that his disreputable and now deceased brother, D.J., left him something called The Cheyenne Social Club in his will (law). After making the 1,000 mile (1,600 km) trek to Cheyenne, John and Harley learn The Cheyenne Social Club is a high-class brothel next to the railroad. John soon falls into disfavor when his efforts to close the Club are opposed by both the ladies at the Club and the men of Cheyenne. John also learns his brother's will had a provision the property would revert to the railroad if the ladies moved. Jenny, the Club's madam, is assaulted by a man named Bannister. John kills Bannister and regains popularity. Bannister's relatives come to Cheyenne for revenge, but John, Harley and Jenny successfully fight them off. The Sheriff advises that even more of the Bannisters' relatives will soon come to town. John transfers ownership of the property to Jenny and he and Harley return to Texas.