Rich and Strange

A wealthy uncle offers to fund the couple's travels, sparing them worry about money. Fred quits his job, eager for change, and Em agrees to the plan with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Their London routine ends as they set out toward new horizons.

They cross the Channel to France and visit Paris's famous spots. Fred is seasick the entire time, dulling the anticipated excitement of travel. The trip foreshadows strain in their relationship as the adventure begins to overwhelm them.

They book passage on an ocean liner departing Marseille for the Orient. Fred's seasickness forces him to withdraw, leaving Em to continue the voyage alone for a time. On board, Em forms a tentative connection with Commodore Gordon.

Em grows closer to Commodore Gordon as they discuss love and companionship during the voyage. The attraction deepens into something more, challenging Emily's loyalty to Fred. In a dizzy moment, she leans into the kiss and then steps back, walking away.

Meanwhile, Fred becomes smitten with a German princess aboard the liner. He spends more time with his own romantic interest, while Emily and Gordon grow closer. The voyage becomes a tangled web of flirtations that threatens their marriage.

The ship reaches Singapore and Fred and Em find their marriage in shambles. Em prepares to leave with Gordon for his home in Kuala Lumpur, signaling a definite break. The trip exposes how money and romance have complicated their vows.

Gordon confesses that Fred's supposed princess is an adventuress using him for his fortune. Em decides to warn her husband to prevent further heartache. By the time she acts, the princess has already departed for Rangoon with £1000 of Fred's money.

Fred's resentment boils over, and he becomes openly harsh toward Em, yet they manage to reconcile. With limited funds, they decide to sail home on a tramp steamer. The fragile peace between them remains tentative as they prepare for a long, uncertain voyage.

The tramp steamer is damaged in a fog collision and begins to sink. Fred and Em are trapped in their cabin, bracing for the worst as the ship deteriorates around them. They awaken to find the ship afloat by morning and manage to escape through a porthole.

A Chinese junk arrives to rescue survivors, including Fred and Em, who bring along a black cat as they board. They are fed by the crew and reflect on their narrow escape. During the voyage, they realize they have unknowingly eaten the cat when its hide is found nailed to a door.

A Chinese mother gives birth aboard the junk, and Em is moved by the father's tenderness toward his newborn. Fred realizes that the sinking may enable them to recover money through insurance. The mood shifts from fear to a practical optimism about rebuilding their lives.

They finally return to England, seemingly happier but already quarreling about whether to stay in their apartment or move elsewhere. The film closes with a quiet irony, suggesting their happiness is fragile. The title's irony lingers as they confront an uncertain future together.