Piccadilly Jim

Jim Crocker is a popular caricaturist in London, known as Piccadilly Jim. He supports his father James, a talentless ham who loves Shakespeare, and he relies on his loyal valet Bayliss. Jim's public life hides his worries about family and money.

James is set to marry Eugenia Willis, but Nesta Pett doubts his sincerity and financial background. Nesta refuses to grant permission for the marriage, threatening Jim's happiness. Jim's hopes begin to hinge on his father's prospects.

One morning James introduces the Petts to Jim as an artist, but Jim staggers in after a night of drinking. Nesta Pett discovers that Jim is actually a caricaturist, which does not impress the family. The revelation unsettles the engagement plans and strains Jim's position.

Jim meets Nesta Pett's niece Ann Chester in a nightclub and immediately falls for her. Ann is engaged to Lord Frederick Priory and keeps him at a distance, complicating Jim's pursuit. Jim's attempts to win her over stumble against social barriers.

Jim is fired for missing deadlines, losing his income. The Petts take Eugenia and Ann to the French Riviera for a month, leaving James sad and Jim behind. Jim begins to wonder how his life will unfold without Ann.

Back in England, Jim creates a comic strip about the Petts, especially Nesta, Herbert, and Ogden, titled From Rags to Riches. The strip becomes an instant sensation in English newspapers, making Jim financially secure. He hires detectives to locate Ann, hoping to reunite with her.

When the Petts return to England, they are instantly recognized as the subjects of Jim's drawings and become the town's joke. Ann is furious about the deception, while Jim hides his identity by posing as Bayliss's son to spend time with her before the Petts sail to the United States. He hatches a plan to cross to New York on the same ship as Ann and Priory.

Jim works a scheme to board the same ship to New York; he uses the disguise and social maneuvering to pursue Ann during the voyage. The dynamic between identity and romance intensifies as the Petts' presence complicates their relationship. Jim's determination grows as the stakes rise.

Before leaving England, Jim tries to cancel the strip but learns he does not own the rights. The strip has already been picked up by American newspapers, expanding its reach and complicating his control. The development adds pressure to Jim's pursuit of Ann.

Ann discovers that Bayliss's supposed son is actually Piccadilly Jim and she is furious at the deception. The Petts, meanwhile, enjoy the notoriety and celebrity that the publications bring them. The romance between Jim and Ann hangs in the balance as trust is tested.

James, posing as the Danish Count Olav Osric to impress Eugenia's supposed lover, reveals his true identity at a party. The revelation triggers shock and a sharp rejection from the Petts. The social farce pushes Jim toward a pivotal decision about his future.

On the ship bound for New York, Bayliss encourages Jim to persevere. He races for the shore as the gangplank lowers, and collides with Ann, who has realized she loves him as well. They kiss, sealing their reconciliation and the romantic ending.