Based on the novel by Friedrich Gerstäcker, the film, set entirely in the state of Arkansas, tells of the conflict of interests between the local townspeople and homesteaders on the surrounding land, miners arriving during the gold rush, cowboys and cattle thieves who cause problems in the area, and the native tribes of the region. Two adventurers arrive in town and try to restore peace to it and its inhabitants.
Leopold, head waiter at the "Weißen Rössl" (White Horse Inn), is secretly in love with the beautiful waitress Josepha. But she's only interested in the lawyer Dr. Siedler. Jealous, Leopold comes up with a plan to gain Josepha's attention.
The chorus girl Caterina Duval gets the chance of her life when hired as stand-in of a famous star. On the opening night Catarina is singing, dancing and stepping into the hearts of the audience.
