Summary
In an audacious testamentary decree, the eccentric millionaire Uncle Woolwich orchestrates a peculiar contest for his inheritance: his considerable fortune is to be apportioned between his nephews, the urbane broker Walter Woolwich and the impecunious reporter Barry Owen, strictly in proportion to their personal savings at the moment of his demise. This seemingly whimsical clause places Barry, a man of meager means accompanied only by his loyal, tri-pedal canine companion, Pod, at a profound disadvantage against his financially astute cousin. Undeterred, Barry embarks upon a quixotic quest for solvency, a journey that unexpectedly intertwines with destiny. His path first crosses with the enchanting Faith Fanshawe, whose roadside automotive predicament he deftly remedies, earning a symbolic fifty-cent piece that becomes a cherished memento of their nascent connection. Subsequently, he finds refuge and counsel with Jeffery Jarvis, a sagacious writer who, captivated by Barry's improbable tale, ushers him into a more refined social sphere. It is within the hallowed halls of a country club that Barry's serendipitous reunion with Faith blossoms into a profound affection, solidified by his heroic rescue of her from peril. Yet, the chasm of his poverty looms as an insurmountable barrier to proposing marriage. The cosmic irony, however, delivers a dramatic reversal: Uncle Woolwich's opportune passing coincides precisely with Walter's catastrophic financial undoing, leaving the broker half a million dollars in arrears. Thus, the very mechanism designed to reward fiscal prudence inadvertently elevates the earnest, if initially penniless, Barry to an unexpected inheritance, paving the way for his joyous union with Faith.
Synopsis
Uncle Woolwich, an eccentric millionaire, wills that his fortune be divided between his nephews, Barry Owen and Walter Woolwich, in proportion to the amount of money that each shall have saved at the time of their uncle's death. Walter, a broker, is prospering while Barry, a reporter, is penniless. With his three-legged dog Pod, Barry starts out to make his fortune. Along the way, he meets Faith Fanshawe, whose car has broken down. Faith gives Barry fifty cents for repairing the machine, and he keeps the money in remembrance of the beautiful girl. Next, Barry meets Jeffery Jarvis, a writer, who gives him shelter. Barry tells the writer his story and Jarvis takes him to his country club. Here Barry again meets Faith and rescues her from drowning. Their friendship grows into love, but Barry is too poor to propose marriage. This situation is remedied when Uncle Woolwich dies at the time when Walter is swamped by the market and is half a million dollars in debt. By the terms of the will, Barry inherits a fortune, and with his new found wealth, marries Faith.
