Pillow to Post

Socialite Jean Howard overhears her father complain that the oil-rig salesmen have been drafted. Motivated by patriotism, she volunteers to take their place and serve during the war. Her father cautions that she has never worked a day in her life, but she remains determined.

Jean arrives in a town and finds the only available lodging is a bungalow reserved for married couples. She is mistaken for a war bride of a lieutenant and goes along with the ruse, hoping to register.

To register, Jean needs a husband. She persuades Lieutenant Don Mallory to pretend to be her husband, promising it will only take a few minutes of his day off. He agrees reluctantly, getting drawn into the deception.

The masquerade deepens when Colonel Michael Otley, Don's commanding officer, appears nearby with his wife. The pair realize their cover may be discovered and continue to maintain the lie.

Don accompanies Jean to dinner with prospective client Earl Slim Clark to discuss the deal. The evening stalls, and a drunken incident leaves Don unconscious after Slim allegedly knocks him out, while Slim is knocked unconscious by the drunken man.

Back at the auto court, the couple must share the same roof for their wedding night. Don gives Jean the bed and sleeps in the kitchen, but the discomfort drives him outdoors.

Colonel Otley shows active interest and tries to secure a real arrangement by making Jean the beneficiary of his insurance policy and allotting her a portion of his pay.

Don's mother arrives for an early, unexpected visit, complicating the masquerade further. Her presence raises the stakes and threatens the ruse.

At a dinner party hosted by the Otleys, the colonel mentions the pending court-martial of another lieutenant who lied about being married. Jean drinks to steady her nerves and privately confesses that she has fallen in love with Don.

The deception collapses when the colonel and Don's mother meet, with Jean's father also joining the festivities. The truth about their supposed marriage hangs in the balance as relatives confront them.

Lucille, a male auto court employee, informs Otley that he did see Don sleeping outside, so the colonel does not press charges. This information defuses the immediate risk and allows the couple to regroup.

With the danger of the ruse behind them and Don's feelings resolved, Don decides the best course is to marry Jean for real. Jean is delighted by the prospect, and the film closes on their real marriage.