The farmer, Ben Rumson, and the prospector, Pardner, strike it rich with a huge vein of gold. With newfound wealth, they decide to bring a woman to their remote mining camp. They purchase a Mormon woman, Elizabeth, who has been abandoned by her husband. The three of them form an unconventional family unit, living together in the same house.
As word of their success spreads, others flock to the mining camp, including a group of six prostitutes who they end up kidnapping. The women, along with Elizabeth, become a part of their community and eventually open a brothel, bringing even more money into the town.
As the gold begins to run out, the community faces challenges and tensions rise. Ben and Elizabeth find themselves falling in love, causing friction between Pardner and Ben. The three must navigate their evolving relationships while trying to keep their wealth and the town afloat.
Throughout the movie, there are several musical numbers with popular songs such as "They Call the Wind Maria" and "I Talk to the Trees." The cast features legendary actors Lee Marvin as Ben, Clint Eastwood as Pardner, and Jean Seberg as Elizabeth.
Paint Your Wagon was released in 1969 and was directed by Joshua Logan. Despite being a box office success, it received mixed reviews from critics. It has since become a cult classic and is known for its memorable musical numbers and unusual plot.