The film argues that sexually explicit materials corrupt young viewers and readers, leading to acts of violence and perverted attitudes regarding sex—including inclination toward homosexuality. Perversion for Profit was serious in its suggestion that pornography could erode the integrity of American culture.

This semi-film within a film opens in the office of producer George Jessel, who never saw a camera he couldn’t get in front of, who is holding a story conference to determine the screen treatment for the life of Eva Tanguay, and Jessel is unhappy with what the writers present him.

Sadie Martin owns a riverboat that is frequently used by miners traveling to their claims. During their trip, the miners drink and gamble. Sadie's daughter, Helen, is unaware of her mother's work because her mother sends her to boarding school in order to live a lifestyle more attributed to the upper-class. Unfortunately for Sadie, she is facing difficulty maintaining the costly riverboat. She is soon forced to sell the boat in order to make ends meet.