Penny Wisdom

The film opens with the music of Pop Goes the Weasel, signaling a light, comedic epicurean mood. This musical cue foreshadows the dinner misadventures that will unfold. The tone is playful, hinting that cooking and hosting will be central to the comedy.

Matthew E. Smudge calls his wife Chloe to inform her that he will be bringing his boss and a client home for dinner. Chloe reacts by preparing for guests, already anticipating the pressures of hosting.

Chloe discovers a note explaining that her constant high-maintenance demands have caused 'her culinary queen' to quit. The note crystallizes the reason for the looming dinner crisis and raises the stakes for Chloe.

Chloe haplessly attempts to fix dinner herself despite the absence of a cook. With the clock ticking, she struggles to salvage a meal from limited resources.

An hour passes and Chloe has burnt the roast beef, dropped a flour bucket on the dog, and turned the kitchen into a disaster. The narrator quips that 'Gosh, it ain't a fit night for man nor beast,' underscoring the chaotic scene.

Pete Smith asks Chloe the whereabouts of a telephone and decides to call Prudence Penny. This marks the turning point where outside help becomes the solution to the dinner calamity.

Prudence Penny guides Chloe on how to prepare a full course meal with what remains in the icebox. She also suggests unusual housewife remedies to salvage some of Chloe's cooking.

With Penny's guidance, the meal is prepared just in time for the arrival of Mr. Smudge, his boss, and the client. Chloe greets the guests as Smith leans in to whisper that the cook left this morning.

Smudge is surprised by the quality and taste of the courses. Pete Smith reveals that the entire course cost Smudge only $2.83, highlighting the dinner's bargain.

Smith lies to Smudge, claiming Chloe cooked the entire meal herself. Chloe nods in agreement, much to the dog's disbelief.

Prudence Penny quietly sneaks away as the deception unfolds. The scene emphasizes the improvisational nature of the plan and Chloe's quiet complicity, while the household's dog remains a knowing spectator.