Swing High, Swing Low

Maggie King works as a hairdresser aboard a liner traveling through the Panama Canal Zone. She brushes off Skid Johnson, a brash young soldier on his last day in the Army. Their brief encounter hints at the unlikely attraction to come.

The next day, Maggie and her friend Ella go on a double date with Skid and his piano player friend Harry in Balboa. In the nightclub, Skid impresses her with his trumpet prowess, even as she admits her distaste for the instrument. A bar brawl with a Spanish-speaking man lands Skid and Maggie in jail, causing Maggie to miss her ship home.

With no money left after paying the fine, Maggie moves in with Skid and Harry. She convinces Murphy to hire the pair for Murphy's Cafe y Bar by claiming they are married, securing them a place to perform. The trio begins their show, setting the stage for both romance and rivalry.

As they work together, Maggie and Skid fall in love and decide to marry. They navigate early doubts and jealousy, while Harry remains their loyal friend. The marriage marks a turning point as Skid's ambitions grow.

Maggie urges the reluctant Skid to head to New York City to play in a major nightclub. He becomes a rising star there, often pairing with Anita Alvarez, a powerful singer. The arrangement complicates their marriage as fame takes hold.

Skid's stardom blossoms in NYC, but he neglects to send Maggie money and ignores her letters. Feeling abandoned, Maggie borrows money from Murphy to stay afloat and attempt to reunite with him. Meanwhile, Anita's presence deepens the professional and romantic tension.

Anita intercepts Maggie's telegram to Skid, telling him where to meet her boat. The rift between Maggie and Skid widens as misunderstanding grows. The stage is set for a dramatic confrontation across oceans.

Maggie waits at the New York City pier, hoping Skid will join her. She makes a late-night call to Anita's hotel room, only to hear a drunken Skid answer, indicating the rift between them has deepened.

Ella informs her ex-boyfriend, wealthy rancher Harvey Howell, about Maggie's situation. Maggie resolves to sail to France to obtain a divorce and marry Harvey, hoping for a fresh start.

Devastated by the separation, Skid turns to drinking and begins missing performances, costing him his job and his career. He even attempts to reenlist, but fails the physical exam.

Harry has assembled a band for a live radio performance to attract a sponsor, and he seeks Skid to play with them. Skid reconnects with his old friend through this opportunity, hoping to redeem himself. Maggie rushes to help, determined to stand by him.

Skid's former agent Georgie tries to enlist Maggie to pull Skid back into shape. Maggie returns to the scene just in time and offers her stubborn support.

During the broadcast, Skid falters at first, but Maggie's vow that she will stay with him until death do us part galvanizes him. He recaptures his old, blazing talent and saves the performance.