A poor cobbler’s son enters a $25,000 cross-country hiking contest sponsored by the footwear company that has nearly bankrupted his father. He also has fallen in love with the girl on the company’s billboards, the competition’s daughter, and her sweet inspiration keeps him tramping along.

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.

The film gives a portrait of mental health treatment during the 50s, which was the heyday of treating mental patients in big institutions.