The movie opens with Larry Flynt, played by Woody Harrelson, opening up a strip club with his brother Jimmy (Brett Harrelson) in Ohio in the 1970s. After the club fails, Larry decides to start a magazine with nude photos called Hustler. The magazine becomes very popular due to its more explicit content compared to other adult magazines at the time.
As Hustler grows in popularity, Larry's personal life becomes more scandalous. He gets involved in drugs and has multiple marriages, including one to Althea Leasure (Courtney Love), who becomes a prominent figure in the magazine's production. Larry also becomes outspoken about his beliefs in free speech, often refusing to apologize for controversial content in his magazine.
Larry's battle for free speech brings him to court multiple times, including a lawsuit against televangelist Jerry Falwell (Richard Paul), who sued Hustler for a parody ad that he found offensive. The case goes all the way to the Supreme Court, where Larry wins based on the grounds of freedom of speech.
Throughout the film, Larry's relationship with Althea is a prominent theme, and her death from AIDS is a devastating blow to him. The movie ends with Larry riding in a golf cart, reflecting on his life and legacy, which includes defending the First Amendment.
Overall, The People vs. Larry Flynt is a biopic that depicts the controversial life of Larry Flynt and his fight for freedom of speech.