Higher and Higher

Higher and Higher

Year: 1943

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Tim Whelan

MusicComedy

THE SINATRA SHOW A valet to a bankrupt millionaire plans to rebuild his boss’s fortune by passing a scullery maid off as a high-society debutante.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Higher and Higher yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Higher and Higher (1943)

Trace every key event in Higher and Higher (1943) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Financial crisis hits the Drake household

Cyrus Drake's bankruptcy is revealed and a foreclosure looms over the estate. The household staff hasn't been paid for seven months, adding to the tension. With the wife and daughter abroad on a long trip, the Drakes have little cushion to weather the crisis.

Drake mansion
2

Plan to pass Millie off as Pamela Drake

To save the family fortune, a scheme is hatched to pass Millie off as Pamela Drake, the Drakes' socialite daughter, and marry her to a wealthy man. The aim is to bring in funds to cover the mounting debts and keep the business afloat.

Drake mansion
3

Valet Mike begins the transformation

Valet Mike O'Brien is enlisted to help Millie prepare for life as a debutante, coaching her through diction and manner. He remains unaware that Millie secretly loves him, keeping his own feelings in check amid the scheme.

Drake estate
4

Millie's crush on a neighbor singer

Millie mentions she adores the neighbor who sings, a nod to Frank Sinatra whose crooning delights the bobby-sockers. The dialogue and jokes lightly poke fun at pop stars of the era while Millie finds inspiration in the music.

Drake household
5

Sandy teaches etiquette

The social secretary Sandy begins teaching Millie proper etiquette, guiding her to walk, speak, and behave like a debutante. The training is meant to polish her image for high society.

Drake estate
6

The coming-out ball and Victor's nudge

At the coming-out ball, Millie is nudged toward Sir Victor Fitzroy Victor, a titled nobleman she should marry. Georgia Keating, a high-society friend, pushes for Millie to be considered the most desirable debutante.

Ball night Drake estate ballroom
7

Victor is revealed as Joe Brown

Victor cannot even pay his hotel bill and is actually a petty thief named Joe Brown. He intends to trap a rich wife to cover his own debts.

Ballroom, Drake estate
8

Millie agrees to marry Victor for everyone's sake

Despite doubts, Millie agrees to marry Victor for the sake of her family and the Drakes' finances. The plan hinges on securing the Drakes' finances through the marriage.

Ball/Drake estate
9

Mike helps Millie avoid the wedding

Mike mistakenly believes Millie is in love with Frank and helps her get out of the wedding at the last minute. He acts to protect her and the truth of her feelings.

Ballroom
10

Hidden speakeasy discovered

Mike stumbles upon a hidden speakeasy in the Drake basement, discovering the Drake family's valuable first harpsichord and a fully stocked wine cellar. The secret space hints at a potential new revenue source.

Drake basement
11

Drake's Amsterdam Tavern opens

The basement space opens as Drake's Amsterdam Tavern, New York's most novel nightclub, transforming the way the Drakes can earn money. The venture begins to solve the financial crisis.

Drake basement / New York
12

Victor works there as a bartender

Victor, now going by Joe Brown, works behind the bar at the new club, maintaining his disguise while the family’s fortunes rise.

Amsterdam Tavern
13

Mike bows out and follows vaudeville

Realizing Millie can only be happy with Frank, Mike bows out so she can be with the singer. He leaves to resume his vaudeville career, choosing love over the stage.

Amsterdam Tavern
14

Invitation to Frank and Katherine's wedding and confrontation

Mike receives an invitation to Frank and Katherine's wedding and uses it as a trigger to confront Frank for spurning Millie. He wants a clear sense of where Millie's heart truly lies.

New York
15

Resolution: Millie and Mike's romance

At the finale, Mike learns that Millie has only ever loved him. They share a romantic dance and begin their romance, dancing Higher and Higher into the clouds as their feelings are finally acknowledged.

Finale Amsterdam Tavern

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:02

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Higher and Higher Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Higher and Higher

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