Steamboat Round the Bend

Doctor John Pearly purchases a broken down paddleboat steamer with plans to cruise the Mississippi River leisurely alongside his nephew Duke. Fleety Belle, a young uneducated girl, joins them, claiming she has killed a man in self-defense from unwanted advances. Pearly begins his peaceful river journey with his makeshift crew, including Duke and Fleety Belle.

Duke shows up with Fleety Belle, revealing he has killed a man who harassed her, asserting it was self-defense. Pearly persuades Duke to surrender to the local sheriff, Rufe Jeffers, to face justice, believing in the fair justice system. The sheriff is portrayed as kind and tries to make Duke comfortable in jail.

Fleety Belle's cruel father arrives to take her home, wielding a whip. Pearly intervenes defensively, chasing him off with a carving knife. From this point, Fleety Belle becomes a trusted friend, and Pearly teaches her to assist as a co-pilot onboard the steamboat.

Pearly is given a bankrupt wax museum, which he moves onto his steamboat. The statues from the museum are used to raise funds, successfully generating $500 to pay for Duke's appeal. The boat becomes a floating museum, attracting local attention and crowds.

When an ugly mob threatens Pearly's boat, the crew strategically uses Western outlaw mannequins on deck to create the illusion of a formidable defense. The tactic is successful, and the mob is driven away, protecting the crew and the boat.

Despite efforts, Duke's appeal is rejected, and he is scheduled to be executed in Baton Rouge. Before his transfer, Duke and Fleety Belle are married in a jailhouse wedding, with a humorous double meaning hinted at in their vows.

Pearl enters a dangerous steamboat race hoping to attract the Governor's attention by winning. His entry is ridiculed by veteran Captain Eli, and they bet boats on the race, adding a spirited rivalry to the event. The race is set to be a chaotic and competitive spectacle.

During the race, Pearly spots New Moses, an itinerant revival preacher who can testify to Duke's innocence. Pearly lassos Moses from the riverbank and pulls him aboard, explaining their mission to clear Duke's name. Moses joins the crew to help change the course of justice.

As the race progresses and their fuel runs low, Pearly's crew cannibalizes a wooden ship to keep going. Moses discovers Pearly’s alcohol-based tonic and throws it into the fire, leading the boat to leap forward powered by the now ignited alcohol fuel, giving them a sudden boost to the finish line.

Thanks to the fire-powered boost, Pearly's boat races to the finish line just as the hanging of Duke is delayed. Pearly and the Governor arrive at the prison moments before Duke's execution, preventing the tragedy and bringing new hope for justice.