He Couldn’t Say No

Lambert T. Hunkins, a meek worker at a linoleum company, receives a raise from $30 to $40 per month. His fiancée Violet's mother, Mrs. Coney, uses the money to push for an early marriage. Lambert doesn't object, even though the idea isn't his wishful dream.

At an auction Lambert buys a statue resembling Iris Mabby, despite objections from Violet's mother. Senator Mabby tries to purchase the statue from him, but Lambert refuses to sell at any price. A street reporter witnesses the moment and the tale makes the news.

The attention from the sale draws media interest around Lambert, turning him from a shy office worker into a local figure. Iris Mabby visits to learn more about the buyer and to encourage him to stand firm. Julia Becker, the sculptor, also visits and promises to send two companion statues.

Crook Hymie Atlas decides the statue is valuable and sends his two henchmen to steal it. They burst into Lambert's apartment to grab the statue and hide in the next room as Iris and Senator Mabby come by again. A gun is pointed at Lambert, forcing him to name a price.

With a gun pointed at him, Lambert must set a price of $150,000 for the statue. The Senator refuses to meet the price, and Iris becomes disillusioned with the greed behind the deal.

Hymie Atlas assigns Dimples to keep an eye on Lambert after the confrontation. Dimples is tasked with guarding both the statue and Lambert's movements.

Lambert receives a telegram reporting a $5,000 bid from an Iowa museum for the statue. The offer complicates his view of what to do with the statue as he weighs public demand against personal feelings.

Lambert knocks Dimples out and steals a linoleum truck to transport the artwork toward the museum's representatives. He plans to deliver the statue despite Hymie and Slug pursuing him, showing his growing resourcefulness.

Hymie Atlas and Slug return, capture Lambert, and drive toward the buyers, unaware that the ‘statue’ in transit is actually the unconscious Dimples under a cover. The criminals believe they are transporting the prize while Lambert remains restrained.

Parsons arrives with the police to locate the truck. Lambert leads them to the thieves, revealing the ruse and guiding the arrest.

The crooks are captured, and Parsons is impressed enough to reinstate Lambert at the linoleum company. Lambert’s resilience earns him a second chance and a chance to shape his own future.

Violet and her mother arrive to push the engagement, but Lambert declares he will not marry Violet. He signals a shift toward Iris as the person he truly loves, redefining his relationships.

With the $5,000 check in hand, Lambert proposes to Iris Mabby and she cannot say no. The proposal marks a decisive turn toward a union between the humble man and the socialite he admires.