The Fuller Brush Man

Red Jones, a street cleaner, proposes to his sweetheart Ann Elliot, but she hints he needs to prove himself more before she can accept. She suggests he should follow the example of a successful salesman, Keenan Wallick, who works at her company. Red is determined to improve himself to win her approval.

Red accidentally sets a trash can on fire at his job and smashes his boss Gordon Trist's car window, resulting in his termination. This incident occurs unexpectedly and gives Red a new opportunity to change his life by becoming a salesman for the Fuller Brush company. Ann encourages him to pursue this new path.

Red starts working as a door-to-door salesman, partnered with Keenan Wallick, who is also interested in Ann. Despite initial failures, Red attempts to sell brushes to challenging households, facing humorous obstacles such as a mischievous boy and a seductive model. Keenan observes Red's struggles and plans their next move.

Keenan suggests a bet to Red that he won't sell a single brush to their next round of households, aiming to motivate him. Red accepts, unaware that their next stop is the mansion of his former boss, Gordon Trist. Keenan's plans are set to complicate Red's efforts and intentions.

At Gordon Trist's mansion, Red tries to hide from Trist and the groundskeeper but is recognized. Gordon dismisses him, but Trist's wife buys ten brushes from Red, giving him a small victory. Red is unaware that he is being watched and his actions are part of Keenan's scheme.

Red overhears a conversation involving Gordon Trist, Keenan Wallick, Gregory Cruckston, and others discussing a racketeering operation. He is caught eavesdropping and is knocked unconscious, coming to find Gordon Trist murdered. The police arrive, and everyone present is suspected and arrested.

Red is released after evidence clears him of the murder. He finds Mrs. Trist waiting with the money, and shortly after, gangsters arrive and hold everyone hostage while searching for the murder weapon. Red and Ann realize that the weapon is likely a Fuller brush molded into a knife shape. Cruckston, revealed as the murderer, stops them from reporting the truth.

Red and Ann escape from Cruckston and his gangsters, leading to Cruckston's arrest. Red emerges as the hero, having uncovered the murderer and saved the day. This victory earns him Ann's love and approval, fulfilling his goal of proving himself.

Red chases Cruckston through a war surplus warehouse, engaging in a chaotic and humorous sequence. During the chase, Red accidentally cuts into radios in the city, broadcasting strange messages. A stockpile of fireworks is ignited, attracting police to the scene.

Amid the chaos of the chase and fireworks explosion, Keenan reveals himself as a coward, emphasizing his cowardice. Meanwhile, Ann returns to Red's arms, signifying her trust and love. Red finally wins her heart as the chaos subsides and order is restored.