The film is set in the United States in the early 20th century. Andy Tucker and Jefferson Peters are noble crooks. They do not engage in violent theft of valuables from citizens. Jeff's principle is to always give something in return for the money received, "be it a fake gold medallion, garden flower seeds, ointment for a gunshot wound, stock certificates, flea powder, or at least a slap." They devise scams to earn money and fulfill their dreams. Andy Tucker wants to open a library, and Jeff Peters wants to return to his home state of Utah and meet his first love.