The Big Broadcast of 1936

Spud Miller, owner and sole announcer of W.H.Y., is fighting bankruptcy. He considers Burns & Allen's plan to back an invention and the prospect of a large prize to save the station. The decision sets the plot in motion as he eyes the international broadcast competition.

George Burns and Gracie Allen propose an advance of $5,000 for their television device, The Radio Eye. Spud weighs the risk, but the lure of a $250,000 prize makes the investment seem like a path out of bankruptcy. The possibility of success motivates him to pursue the plan.

Ysobel, a listener, believes Lochinvar sent her a letter and travels to the studio in anger to shoot him. Spud and Smiley manage to defuse the threat when the gun misfires, turning the confrontation into a compelling alliance. The incident solidifies Ysobel's involvement with the duo.

Burns & Allen's investment pitch is linked to their success, while Ysobel agrees to consider funding for The Radio Eye to boost their odds in the contest. She agrees to accompany Spud and Smiley to Clementi Island to decide whom she will marry before midnight.

On Clementi Island, Gordoni begins plotting to murder Spud and Smiley, threatening their fragile alliance and the prize plan. The island's danger becomes a central obstacle as the deadline approaches.

Realizing the danger, Spud and Smiley contact Burns and Allen in New York to warn them of the murderous conspiracy. Burns and Allen decide to travel toward the island by boat to aid and protect them.

Gracie Allen sets a fire on the Burns & Allen boat, causing chaos but also drawing attention from authorities. A Coast Guard cutter intercepts and transports them toward Clementi Island, enabling a rescue before the worst can happen.

Gordoni has Drowso slip Ysobel a sleep-inducing drug to keep her out of the way, thwarting any resistance during the murder plot. Spud and Smiley sense danger and adjust their plan accordingly.

To draw Gordoni's attention away, Spud and Smiley switch on The Radio Eye to broadcast the Vienna Boys Choir and the Ray Noble Orchestra from New York. The tactic aims to mask their movements while a rescue plan unfolds.

The escape sequence unfolds with coaches and teams of horses, but a bifurcation in the road splits the route and separates Spud from his horses. They keep pursuing the escape toward the pier.

Spud and Smiley reach the pier where the Coast Guard cutter and Burns & Allen arrive to help them. Gordoni jumps into the sea to avoid capture, ending his plot.

With the danger behind them, Spud wins the international broadcast competition, securing the prize money that will change his fortunes and cement the partnership. The victory validates their risky plan and perseverance.

Spud tells Ysobel that marriage could come after a period of observation, and she responds with the line about friendship beginning something beautiful. The film closes on a hopeful note as a 'beautiful friendship' starts to form.