Broadway Gondolier

Richard 'Dick' Purcell, a taxi driver, dreams of becoming a professional singer and seeks opportunities to showcase his talent. His big break seems unlikely until theatre critics discover him while he's working as a cabbie. A radio producer is introduced to him through the critics, opening the door to his singing career.

Despite getting an opportunity, Dick is late for his audition with a sponsor, Mrs. Flagenheim, and consequently misses his chance to impress her. This setback temporarily halts his hopes of advancing into the professional music scene.

Mrs. Flagenheim decides to travel to Italy in search of a romantic and talented singer to represent her cheese products. She takes Alice Hughes, her secretary, along on the trip, aiming to find an authentic Italian singer for her brand.

Dick, determined to pursue his singing dreams, manages to sneak onto the ship to Italy by working for his passage. He looks up his friend and mentor, Professor de Vinci, who helps him find opportunities to perform while in Venice.

In Venice, Dick and Professor de Vinci secure jobs as gondoliers to perform at an upcoming event. During this opportunity, Dick showcases his singing talent, which catches the attention of Mrs. Flagenheim.

Mrs. Flagenheim hears Dick sing and is impressed enough to offer him a contract on the spot. She mistakenly believes he is an authentic Italian singer named 'Ricardo Purcelli,' and he is offered a chance to pursue fame in the United States.

Dick and Alice return to New York, with Dick adopting the persona of 'Ricardo Purcelli' to capitalize on his Italian image. His identity remains hidden, and he quickly becomes a celebrated radio star, attracting attention for his supposed Italian heritage.

Fellow taxi drivers and the media recognize Dick as the real person behind the 'Ricardo Purcelli' persona. Rumors spread, and Dick faces the dilemma of continuing his false identity or revealing his true self to the public and Alice.

Feeling exhausted by the deception and pressured by the media, Dick chooses to reveal the truth on the air. He then walks out of his career, upset by the lies he has told and the phoniness of the persona he portrayed.

Despite the scandals, fans continue to adore Dick for his genuine singing talent, expressing their love through letters and support. The public prefers the real him over the false persona, catching everyone by surprise.

Alice and Dick reconnect after his exposure, with Alice expressing her desire to be with him regardless of his identity. Meanwhile, Professor de Vinci rushes him to a studio just in time for a broadcast, bringing everything to a heartfelt climax.

In the climax, Dick performs on the radio show, the 'Flagenheim Cheese Hour,' under his real name. Alice hears the broadcast and rushes into his arms, signaling their reconciliation and his acceptance as himself.