Pal Joey

Joey Evans, a womanizing nightclub singer, is kicked out of town for romancing the mayor's underage daughter. He boards a train to San Francisco, hoping to start fresh and leave his trouble behind.

In San Francisco, Joey reconnects with his old friend Ned Galvin, the bandleader for the Barbary Coast Club. Ned fills him in on the local nightlife and potential opportunities for a fresh start.

With the club short on an emcee, Joey steps in and is hired on the spot by Mike Miggins, the nightclub owner. He quickly settles into the role and starts drawing a crowd.

Ned brings Joey and Linda English to a children's charity event in Nob Hill. Vera Prentice-Simpson, a widow and former dancer, becomes the focal point of the evening.

The event falls short of its fundraising goal, so attendees raise money to persuade Vera to perform. Vera’s appearance adds glamour and tension as she eyes the club's plans.

After the event, Joey escorts Linda to her rooming house, where a landlady arranges for the two to share an apartment. The new living arrangement marks a step toward stability for Joey and Linda.

Over time, Joey and Linda bond, and she persuades him to buy a white terrier named Snuffy. The dog becomes a small symbol of their growing relationship and home life.

Back at the Barbary Coast Club, Vera flirts with Joey. She leaves without paying, and Mike Miggins fires Joey after the distraction threatens the night’s business.

Joey strikes a deal: if he can convince Vera to return to the nightclub by Saturday, he can keep his job and get a pay raise. The plan sets the stage for a dramatic bid to win Vera back.

Joey visits Vera at her mansion and informs her that he has been fired and may leave for New York. Vera makes an impromptu appearance at the nightclub, watching Joey perform and signaling a potential partnership.

Vera takes Joey aboard her yacht, where he shares his dream of opening Chez Joey in Nob Hill. She agrees to sponsor him, they kiss, and he wakes up in love with her.

Back on land, Joey hires Ned and the Barbary Coast chorus for the new venture, with Linda as a featured singer. Vera grows jealous and pressures Joey to fire Linda, but he lies, claiming Linda has quit so the show can go on.