Mercedes Murphy and her partner, Slick Barney, run a saloon and dance hall in the tough town of Paradise, Nevada. While Mercedes is a hard-nosed businesswoman, she has a soft spot for her sister, Olive, with whom she lives. One day a preacher, Rev. McGregor, who is determined to “reform” Paradise, sets up his church right next to the saloon. Mercedes is at first opposed to the reverend, but is eventually won over by his sermons and closes the dance hall. However, she soon discovers that Olive’s “virtue” may no longer be so virtuous—and she suspects the minister may be responsible for it.