The story revolves around the sailing of the S.S.American cruise liner, departing New York and bound for Europe. It is the height of the cruising era, when cruises were taken simply to be seen in the company of the "in crowd" who habitually took them. Unfortunately the passenger list of the S.S.American is singularly devoid of the famous. The Captain is in despair,  star name must be found, and fast!

The passengers include Reno Sweeney, ex night club party girl and erstwhile "save a soul singer" with her scantily clad "Angels", Lord Evelyn Oakleigh - an upper class twit, and his fiancee the debutante Hope Harcourt. They are due to marry to enrich Hope's family coffers.

Also on board are Moonface Martin and gangster's moll Erma (the girlfriend of Snake Eyes Johnson - Public enemy number One). They are on the run under assumed names. Billy Crocker, a long time friend of Reno's stows away to chase the love of his life, Hope. As a favour for covering for him, Moonface lets Billy have Snake Eyes' ticket when he fails to show.

Under this cover Billy tries to pusuade Hope to marry him, while Moonface enlists Reno's aid to help Billy by compromising Evelyn. All appears to be going to plan until the Captain receives a telegram saying the man carrying Billy's ticket is Public Enemy Number One and must be arrested immediately..........