Cattle, timber and mining baron George Washington "G.W." McLintock (John Wayne) is living the single life on his ranch. He is estranged from wife Katherine (Maureen O'Hara), who left him two years before, suspecting him of adultery. She has been living the society life back East while their daughter Rebeeca (whom G.W. calls "Becky") (Stefanie Powers) is completing her college degree.