Rabbi Avram is a devoutly religious man who follows Jewish customs and traditions. He is completely unprepared for the challenges of the American frontier, which is vastly different from his home in Poland. At the train station in Philadelphia, two con men, who pretend to be representatives of his congregation, trick him into giving them money for transportation to San Francisco. They put him on a train that heads westward, but they abandon him in a remote area in the middle of nowhere.
With nobody around to help him, Rabbi Avram is completely lost and bewildered. He is robbed of his belongings by a gang of bandits, including his prayer book. He is saved by a bank robber named Tommy, who is also on the run from the law. Tommy is impressed by Avram's innocence and kind-heartedness, and they become unlikely travelling companions on the trail to San Francisco.
The two men have many adventures along the way, and Rabbi Avram is exposed to new experiences that challenge his faith and beliefs. He learns to ride a horse, use a gun, and speak English. He also learns about the diversity and complexity of American culture, as the pair encounters people from different walks of life, including Native Americans, cowboys, and even a prostitute.
Despite their differences, Rabbi Avram and Tommy develop a strong bond as they face countless obstacles and dangers together. When they finally arrive in San Francisco, Rabbi Avram is surprised to find that his congregation has been waiting for him all along, and he is able to assume his role as their new rabbi.
The Frisco Kid is a heartwarming and entertaining comedy-drama that explores themes of friendship, cultural identity, and religious faith. It features memorable performances by Gene Wilder as Rabbi Avram and Harrison Ford as Tommy, and it has become a beloved classic of 1970s cinema.