Philo Beddoe, a soft-hearted trucker and fist-fighter, lives a laid-back life in the San Fernando Valley with his ornery brother Orville and his pet orangutan, Clyde. Philo bides his time in roadside bars where he competes in underground fights for money. Everything changes when he meets Lynn Halsey-Taylor, an aspiring country singer who captures his heart. Philo becomes romantically interested in Lynn and attempts to win her affection, which leads to several humorous encounters and misunderstandings.

As Philo's dedication to Lynn grows, he embarks on a spontaneous journey across the western United States to track her down after she mysteriously leaves town. Along the way, Philo and his companions run into various quirky characters, including a vengeful motorcycle gang and law enforcement officers who harbor a grudge against him. The pursuit is fraught with comedic escapades and brawls, underscoring the loyalty between Philo, Orville, and Clyde as they navigate through a series of unpredictable and often absurd predicaments in their quest to find Lynn.