As the southern governor, Mike Douglas, grumbles to his associates regarding their inefficacy in addressing the persistent issues plaguing Dunston County, a newcomer from the U.S. Justice Department, Irving Greenfield (Jack Weston), arrives with news both anticipated and shocking. He informs the governor that all criminal operations in Dunston County are orchestrated by the notorious “Bama” McCall (Jerry Reed), and he also unveils an unknown fact: McCall shares a past with the infamous moonshiner, “Gator” McClusky (Burt Reynolds). Fresh out of prison after a second offense, Gator is believed to have returned to his illicit business. Greenfield, eager to leverage Gator's status to topple McCall, seeks the governor's cooperation, which is desperately needed as the governor's political future hangs in the balance.
To capture Gator at his remote residence in the Okefenokee Swamp, a police task force is assembled. In a bid to mislead the authorities and protect his family—his father, Ned (John Steadman), and daughter, Suzie—Gator takes to the waters in his speedboat, leading his pursuers on a wild chase. He manages to shake them off, but upon returning home, he finds his loved ones apprehended and Greenfield awaiting him with dire threats: Gator's father faces jail time for moonshining and his daughter could be placed in foster care unless he complies.
Meanwhile, in the vibrant world of Dunston County, Bama McCall makes an alarming visit to the Southside Shuffle Disco to collect an “insurance” payment. When the manager shares his inability to make the payment without confirmation from the Detroit owners, McCall’s anger erupts, leading to the nightclub being engulfed in flames shortly thereafter.
Upon arrival in Dunston, Gator drops Greenfield off at the dilapidated Pink Palace Hotel, ensuring the federal agent stays out of sight, before checking into a more upscale establishment. At a political rally supporting Mayor Caffrey (Dub Taylor), Gator is completely captivated by the lovely Aggie Maybank (Lauren Hutton), a local television reporter. Later, McCall, recognizing Gator’s potential, offers him a job as an “insurance” collector-in-training at a salary of $400 weekly, while simultaneously tasking one of his associates with a thorough background check on Gator.
Tension mounts when Aggie confronts McCall about the cancellation of her documentary series highlighting local poverty, resulting in her termination. Dissatisfied with the underbelly of his circumstances, Gator contemplates leaving McCall's organization, but McCall, sensing his hesitation, invites him for a drink paired with ulterior motives. He instructs his giant henchman, Bones (William Engesser), to prepare a strong cocktail, which is actually a trap to drug Gator. Attempting to strike a deal regarding his back taxes, Gator suggests a settlement that could alleviate his debts, but McCall, unchanged in his ruthless ways, has other plans.
As events unfold, Greenfield finds himself in a compromising position when a Dunston cop recognizes him. After leaving a bar, he's ambushed by McCall's thugs, leading to a critical moment. The following morning, Gator awakens to find his situation changed after a series of violent encounters. He learns of Greenfield's severe beating at the hands of McCall's men. Despite being skeptical, he assists Aggie in interviewing Greenfield, during which she mentions a woman, Emmeline Cavanaugh (Alice Ghostley), who may have evidence against McCall.
Aligning forces with Aggie, Gator tackles the challenges presented by McCall's operations head-on. At Emmeline's house, the two concoct a plan to expose McCall's dubious financial practices. During their clandestine operation to procure evidence, a mishap triggers an alarm, prompting a nail-biting escape during which they narrowly evade capture. In the chaos, Gator, while helping Greenfield after a brutal beating, uncovers the criminal organization's treachery.
Their paths converge at a beach house belonging to Aggie’s uncle, providing a brief respite as Gator and Aggie’s relationship begins to blossom. Yet, tragedy strikes when McCall’s crew locates them, resulting in a violent confrontation that leaves Greenfield shot and Emmeline tragically killed while attempting to rescue her cats.
In a desperate turn of events, Gator informs the federal agents about McCall's crimes while simultaneously striking a deal with the felon himself to secure their safety. Ingeniously, Gator devises a booby trap in a motel room, leading to an explosive confrontation against McCall. Once Gator disarms McCall, federal agents swoop in, finally putting an end to McCall's reign of terror.
As dawn breaks the next day, Gator finds himself at a crossroads. Although Aggie's successful reporting of the events earns her a new job in New York City, their differing paths seem to offer a bittersweet conclusion. Despite the undeniable chemistry between them, they recognize the reality of their situations—rooted in different worlds—which leads them to part ways, albeit with heavy hearts filled with unspoken love.
