My Gal Sal

Paul Dresser defies his strict father, who wants him to become a minister. He runs away from his hometown to seek life on the stage. This decision sets him on a path into the world of music and performance.

On the road, Paul is wrongly associated with a conman and is run out of town, left to die. He survives thanks to the intervention of a traveling medicine show led by Colonel Truckee. This rescue pulls him into a new world of opportunity on the road.

Within the medicine show's orbit, Mae Collins welcomes Paul and encourages him to perform. He begins to see a possible future on the road rather than at home. The show becomes his first sustained platform for his talent.

During a performance, Sally Elliot laughs at Paul, humiliating him in front of the crowd. Fred Haviland gives Paul two tickets to Sally's own show, which they attend together. They are kicked out for boisterous behavior, souring their first meeting.

That night, Paul resolves to abandon the medicine show and bids Mae farewell. He longs for independence and a fresh start in music beyond the traveling troupe. This marks his exit from the show's orbit.

Back in New York, Paul overhears a pianist and discovers that Sally has stolen the song he played, adding her own lyrics. He resolves to reclaim his rights and secure his own version of the work. The dispute ignites a professional rivalry that will shape their future.

Paul hires the pianist as his publisher and they pursue the copyright of the song together. He also starts writing songs for Sally's shows, becoming her personal songwriter. This shifts his career from performer to a rising composer.

As their collaboration deepens, Paul develops romantic feelings for Sally. Her engagement to Fred creates tension between their professional success and personal loyalties. The romance intensifies amid ongoing competition and ambition.

The day after a party celebrating success for the song 'Come Tell Me What’s Your Answer (Yes or No)', Paul and Sally share a kiss. They continue writing songs together, strengthening both their relationship and their creative partnership. The moment marks a turning point in their feelings.

Their collaboration yields ongoing success on stage and in the charts, driving them to new heights of fame. The montage shows rapid achievements and audience acclaim. Despite the triumphs, private tensions simmer beneath the surface.

Paul's late arrival to a celebratory party with Countess Mariana Rossini triggers Sally's anger and a cold shoulder. She resents his lack of attention and reconsiders their engagement. The rift threatens to derail their partnership just as it seems to be solidifying.

After further quarrels, Paul asks Sally to marry him and she accepts. The engagement seems back on, suggesting they can merge love with their music career. The promise of a future together is tempered by ongoing tensions.

That night, Paul returns to his apartment and learns Countess' husband has challenged him to a duel. The prospect underscores the volatile mix of romance and public scandal. He steels himself to face whatever comes next.

Paul goes to Countess Mariana Rossini's home, only to find the meeting a deliberate ruse to lure him into a reunion. Sally witnesses his return from the Countess' party and assumes the worst, fueling jealousy and miscommunication. The misperception threatens to undo everything they've built.

Paul sends a song dedicated to Sally under a pen name, which she performs with great success. When the truth comes out that Paul wrote the song, they reconcile and renew their partnership. The moment seals both their romance and their collaboration for the future.