Singer Harry Wallace takes a drive in the country on his day off but crashes into a tree and goes to a garage for repairs. While Harry waits for his car, he wanders down to the river and impulsively joins the performers on the showboat Susanna . Harry tells everyone his name is Harry Linden and is cast in several small roles in a play. The boat's owner, Hector Courtney, receives word that the sheriff of Adamsville is preparing to impound the boat because of Hector's debts. To save Hector, whose daughter Susanna attracts him, Harry asks his producers, O'Casey and Bishop to add the Courtney players to their client roster. The Courtney Players are signed to a contract, which Harry later regrets when he realizes that the more sophisticated New York audience will laugh at their efforts. On opening night, the audience roars with laughter at the performers, until Susanna takes the stage and tells them how small-minded she thinks they are. The troupe then returns to their showboat, and Hector shows Susanna Harry's telegrams of apology. Finally, as Harry sings outside the boat, Susanna runs into his arms and along with Hector, they drive off singing.