Synopsis
Act I
The miners of Cloudy Mountain enter Minnie's Polka Saloon at the end of a long hard day. Sid is accused of cheating at cards and owes his life to the intercession of Sheriff Rance. Wallace the minstrel sings a doleful song and the homesick Larkens is sent on his way. Ashby, the Wells Fargo agent, announces that he is chasing the bandit Ramerrez and his gang. When Sonora tells Rance that Minnie is only toying with him, another fight ensues, ending abruptly upon Minnie's entrance. Minnie gives the boys a Bible reading, and then rebuffs Rance¹s attentions. The stranger Dick Johnson enters; he is no stranger to Minnie. When the miners demand to know his plans, she intervenes. Rance becomes angry when he sees Minnie and Johnson dancing. Ashby returns with the gang member Castro, and after the miners threaten to kill him, he promises to betray Ramerrez, who is actually Johnson. The miners follow Castro on a wild goose chase. Johnson stays behind to protect Minnie. They confess their love for each other.
Intermission
Act II
Minnie tells Johnson about her life and they kiss. Overwhelmed with guilt over his secret identity, Johnson tries to leave, but is stopped by a blizzard. He swears his love to Minnie. Before the sheriff and his men enter, Minnie hides Johnson. She is shocked to learn that Johnson is Ramerrez. After the men leave, she confronts him. He confesses and asks for forgiveness. After leaving he is shot, but Minnie takes him back to care for him in secret. Sheriff Rance is about to give up searching for Ramerrez, when he discovers a drop of blood. Minnie desperately makes Rance an offer. If she beats him at poker, he must let Ramerrez go free. If he wins, she will be his. Minnie wins by cheating, and Rance honors the deal.
Intermission
Act III
Rance is furious that Minnie loves Ramerrez. Ashby captures Ramerrez and turns him over to the sheriff. The men want to hang Ramerrez as a thief and a murderer. He denies killing anyone, but admits to stealing. He accepts the sentence, and only asks that Minnie be told that he escaped. Minnie enters before the hanging, and while Rance tries to proceed, she convinces the miners that they owe Minnie too much to kill the man she loves. Minnie and Ramerrez leave to start a new life together.
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