When John Paul “Jonesy” Jones, a wise-cracking sprightly oiler on a Navy barge, is granted shore leave, he goes to the home of his sweetheart Letitia, only to find that she has married the brutish Scotty McTavish in his absence. Upset, Jonesy and his friend What-Ho declare themselves woman haters and drive to What-Ho’s posh home, where they attend a fancy party thrown by What-Ho’s uncle, Captain Beatty. While mingling with the guests, Jonesy is introduced as a South American oil man, which leads to rumors that Jonesy is a Brazilian oil tycoon. The lovelorn Jonesy soon forgets his woes when he meets Kit Corbin, the beautiful daughter of Admiral Ben Corbin. Following What-Ho’s success in separating Kit from her unwanted beau, Lieutenant Mike Watson, What-Ho drives his newly found love, Mary Lou, Kit and Jonesy, to the seashore for an evening of romance. Before returning to his post, Jonesy tells Kit that, because of his “business,” he will only be able to see her on the weekends. As soon as Jonesy returns to the barge, however, he is transferred to the fleet’s flagship, which is under the command of Admiral Corbin. Upon his discovery that Jonesy misrepresented himself to him and his daughter, the soon-to-be retired Corbin forbids Kit to see him. Jonesy’s troubles are then compounded by the fact that he has been put under McTavish’s supervision. Also on board the flagship is Mike, who threatens to punch Jonesy if he sees him with Kit again. After months of preparation, the battle fleet moves into the firing grounds, and Jonesy, unaccustomed to hard labor, is put to work loading the ship’s guns. Although Jonesy and Scotty receive a reprimand from the Admiral for scrapping during the maneuver, the mission ends successfully and Jonesy is decorated for his work. Back in port, Mike falls overboard when Jonesy pushes the boat out from under him, but Jonesy claims that it was an accident. Scotty, who has developed a respect for Jonesy following his show of “guts” during the exercise, becomes a witness on Jonesy’s behalf in the mishap and saves him from punishment. Jonesy soon realizes that he likes the idea of giving orders and, with Scotty’s help, studies hard to prepare for his advancement. Following her father’s retirement from the Navy, Kit resumes her romance with Jonesy. When Mike learns that Jonesy is dating Kit once again, however, and that Jonesy has been transferred to Annapolis, he goes after him. A fight ensues and Jonesy easily defeats Mike. While walking along the waterfront, Jonesy runs into Corbin, who has been depressed about his forced retirement. An explosion aboard the oil barge interrupts their conversation, and the two men take immediate action to stop the flames from spreading to a nearby ammunition barge. Corbin dies and Jonesy is badly injured in the rescue. Following his recuperation, Jonesy informs Kit that he will be sent away to school for four years, and she promises to remain faithfull to him during his absence. More on Wikipedia or Mubi
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