Lorelei Lee is a beautiful showgirl engaged to be married to the wealthy Gus Esmond, much to the disapproval of Gus’ rich father. When Lorelei goes on a cruise accompanied only by her best friend, Dorothy Shaw, Esmond Sr. hires a private detective, to follow her and report any questionable behavior that would disqualify her from the marriage.

When Prince Danilo falls in love with American dancer Sally O’Hara, his uncle, King Nikita I of Monteblanco, forbids him to marry her because Sally is a commoner.