Joe Buck, a naive Texan dishwasher, decides to leave behind his unremarkable life in search of new opportunities in New York City, believing he can succeed as a hustler. Dressing in a flamboyant cowboy outfit, he arrives with dreams of making a fortune by wooing affluent women who would pay for his services. However, Joe's idealistic fantasies are quickly shattered as he finds himself facing indifference and hardship in the bustling metropolis. Amidst his struggles, he encounters Ratso Rizzo, a sickly and cunning con man who initially tries to swindle Joe but eventually forms a precarious alliance with him.

As Joe and Ratso navigate the harsh urban landscape together, they develop a complex bond based on shared desperation and mutual dependency. Together, they dream of escaping their bleak surroundings and forging a better life, even as their circumstances grow increasingly dire. Their journey through the underbelly of New York City reveals the cutthroat reality of their lives, shedding light on the grim challenges faced by society's outcasts. The story evolves against a backdrop of survival and resilience, where hope and despair are intertwined in the pursuit of an elusive dream.