Based on a play by Edgar Selwyn and William LeBaron, a clerk
is fired, loses money, robs to get it back, is robbed, arrested,
and broken out of jail.
Willie Harrington (Charles Butterworth) and his wife Millicent
(Una Merkel) attend a party at a country club. Ronald Lawford
(Harvey Stephens) dances with Millicent, and Willie's egg trick
breaks them all. At breakfast Millicent says she likes Ronald
better and urges Willie to ask for a raise. Willie is fired and
cashes in his insurance. Skinner (Donald Meek) urges Willie to
invest. Willie goes to pay off his mortgage and realizes he lost
his money. At home Willie tells Millicent and Ronald he got his
vacation and a raise. Millicent shows the gun she got. Willie
says he lost the $2,000 and goes to Skinner, taking his $2,000.
At home Willie finds his $2,000 in the car and faints. Skinner
tells Sergeant Henry Parker (Eugene Pallette) to arrest Willie,
who calls his uncle Henry to explain.
Rocky Bannister (Nat Pendleton) sneaks in, grabs Millicent, and
robs Willie of $4,000. Skinner says Willie is lying and insists
Henry arrest him. Millicent calls friends to care for Willie's
cold in jail. A newspaper plays up the story. Willie confessed
and can't get bail. Murder Mullens (Stanley Fields) is put in
the cell with Willie and calls him Baby Face. Two men break Mullens
out of jail and make Willie go with them. Ronald tells Millicent
that Willie was fired, but she stays loyal to Willie. Rocky slaps
Willie and says he won't talk. Rocky plans a bank robbery with
his gang, reminding Mullens to get gas. Rocky says he will rub
out Willie, who puts a note in the gas tank. Willie reads that
his wife is divorcing him and prepares to hang himself.
Mullens stops for gas, and the man reads the note and calls the
police. At the bank Henry and the police arrest the gang. Willie
and Rocky discuss knots and being Junior Woodmen. Rocky ties the
rope to a beam, and Willie shoots at him. Rocky gets the gun and
is about to kill Willie, who pleads for his life. As police arrive,
Rocky tries to run; but the rope to Willie holds him back. Willie
is cheered. Millicent cries for Willie, but she learns he is a
hero and gets the reward. Willie gives a speech and goes to Millicent
but is too shy to kiss her in public.
This comedy satirizes gangster movies as a humble clerk
is taken first for a dangerous criminal and then a great hero.