Midnight Intruder

After losing all his money gambling on horses, Barry Gilbert and Doc Norton seek shelter from the rain by breaking into a vacant mansion owned by the Reitters. They settle in for a night, planning to keep a low profile. Barry decides to use the opportunity to craft a new identity for himself.

Willetts, the butler, arrives with three other servants; he doesn't know what John Reitter Jr. looks like after a long absence, so he assumes Barry is him. Barry decides to impersonate the young Reitter for a while while the real family is away. The deception begins to take hold as the household adjusts to 'John Jr.' in their midst.

Patricia Hammond develops feelings for Barry, drawn to his charm while he plays the part of John Jr. around the neighborhood. Their budding interest adds emotional complication to the impersonation. The dynamic foreshadows conflict later when the truth threatens relationships.

Peggy, the showgirl wife of the real John Jr., arrives and reveals that her husband is being framed for the murder of a political big shot. Barry agrees to help clear him in exchange for Peggy not exposing the masquerade. The stakes rise as the disguise begins to entangle more players.

Barry accepts a job at Reitter Sr.'s newspaper under an assumed name. Editor Bill Harwood warns him not to play detective, but Barry cannot resist investigating. He begins to dig for the truth while maintaining the front of being John Jr.

Barry learns from Patricia that her father, Judge Hammond, was with the victim on the day of the murder. He jumps to the conclusion that the judge is the killer, complicating both his relationship with Patricia and the investigation. The real murderer, nightclub owner Luis Romano, remains at large though Barry's hunch proves false.

Luis Romano is finally captured, thwarting the murder plot, and John Reitter Jr. is cleared of suspicion. Barry's efforts aren’t enough to prevent the arrest itself, but they help reveal the killer. The family breathes a sigh of relief as the truth comes to light.

When John's father returns early, he introduces John to Patricia and her father. The moment forces everyone to confront Barry's masquerade and the blurred lines of loyalty and family pride. Patricia and the Hammonds begin to question Barry's true identity.

Barry continues to guard the masquerade and works to present John in the best light to his family. He suppresses the truth to keep the domestic front intact while the investigation concludes. The tension between Barry's ambition and honesty grows.

John's mother learns the truth of the masquerade from John and Peggy, but she chooses to conceal it from her husband. She is pleased to see her son reformed and proud of his achievements. The family unit remains intact with this quietly kept secret.

Editor Bill Harwood allows Barry to keep his job and sends him to cover a wealthy widow's new husband. The new husband turns out to be Doc Norton, linking back to Barry's alliance. The newsroom buzzes as the truth behind the new marriage starts to unravel.

Patricia finally confronts Barry about the tangled events, insisting on knowing the truth behind the masquerade and the murder. Barry quips that it would take a lifetime to explain, to which Patricia replies, "Darling, that's just what I mean." The line seals their complicated relationship and hints at a future beyond the masquerade.