After being acquitted of murder charges for which he was framed by Pete Manning, suave Chicago gangster Ace Corbin decides to reform and begin a new life in California. On the train he falls in love with Eleanor La Velle, a gambler’s moll, but both conceal their true identities and adopt aliases. In Southern California, Eleanor disovers that her lover, Joe Burke, owner of the Casino Del Mar steamer, which operates a casino legally outside the three-mile limit from the harbor, is in debt for $9,000 because Pete Manning’s thugs are ruining his business. Eleanor chooses to remain loyal and help Joe, rather than desert him for Ace. Joe and his sidekick Blooey offer to turn over the casino to Ace so he can improve business and seek vengeance on Manning. Ace resists becoming involved until Manning’s men threaten him. When Ace runs the casino he thwarts Manning’s customers by commandeering the water taxis over to his ship. The first evening, Ace encounters Eleanor on board, and she discovers his true identity. Still in love with him, Eleanor remains even after Manning’s men cause an explosion and fire. After the customers have left and the fire is out, Ace and Eleanor remain on board for the night. In the morning, the district attorney interrogates them, and Ace discovers Eleanor’s identity, including her relationship with Joe. Also in attendance is Joe, who likewise discovers Ace and Eleanor’s relationship. Back aboard the casino during a storm, Joe and Ace accuse Eleanor of being a two-timer. Manning and his gang sneak in and kill Joe. Blooey releases the anchor, and the crashing waves wash Manning’s gang off deck. Ace, Blooey and Eleanor jump to safety with life preservers. On a train again, Ace and Eleanor have been married and are blissfully content. More on Wikipedia
Watch Gambling Ship (1933)
