The Geisha Boy

Gilbert unwittingly triggers a string of accidents in Los Angeles that irk Lola Livingston, the tour's headliner, even before the flight. Harry the rabbit and Gilbert's tricks contribute to the chaos surrounding the act. The mounting friction foreshadows trouble on the USO tour.

Upon arrival, Gilbert tries to apologize to Lola, but misfortunes escalate: her dress is torn, she is knocked down the gangway, and she is rolled up in the red carpet. The embarrassment compounds tensions between the performers and the audience. Mitsuo and Kimi witness the spectacle, setting off a chain of emotional events.

Mitsuo, an orphan, attends the reception with his aunt Kimi and laughs for the first time since his parents died. Kimi sees a glimmer of warmth in Gilbert and begins to trust him with the boy. Gilbert and Mitsuo form a growing connection that anchors the story.

Ichiyama, Kimi's boyfriend, pursues Gilbert in a volatile chase that ends with Ichiyama tumbling into a bathhouse pool and flooding the street. The incident deepens the conflict and threatens Wooley's standing with the USO. The public mishap heightens the stakes for everyone involved.

Major Ridgley moves to revoke Gilbert's entertainment status due to the public embarrassment. Sergeant Pearson intervenes and reverses the decision, but only if Gilbert performs for the troops at the Korean frontlines. The outcome links Gilbert's fate to his ability to entertain under pressure.

Pearson's growing feelings for Gilbert complicate his professional duties and threaten his objectivity. Gilbert's closeness with Kimi further strains loyalties among the circle of friends and handlers. The romance-driven tension tests the group as the tour continues.

As time passes, Gilbert, Mitsuo, and Mitsuo's family become tightly bonded, giving the magician a renewed sense of purpose. The boy's affection helps Gilbert cope with the mounting pressure of entertaining troops. The improvised family unit becomes the emotional core of the journey.

Gilbert's performances continue to falter, prompting Ridgley to remand him back to the United States. He worries about Mitsuo's reaction to his departure and struggles with the idea of leaving the boy behind. The decision marks a decisive turning point toward the cross-continental arc.

Not wanting to disappoint Mitsuo, Gilbert attempts to sneak away as departure nears. Mitsuo follows him, and Gilbert is forced to pretend that he no longer cares for the boy, which makes Mitsuo cry. The rift tests their bond and pushes Mitsuo toward drastic action.

Mitsuo secretly boards the plane to America, determined to stay with Gilbert. The boy's courage underscores the depth of their connection and sets up the film's cross-cultural clash. Their shared goal drives the next chapters of the journey.

Upon arrival in America, Mitsuo and Gilbert are briefly reunited, but Mitsuo is accused of kidnapping and is ultimately returned to Japan. The legal and logistical hurdles test Gilbert's devotion and the prospects of their future together. The incident triggers a renewed sense of resolve to reunite properly.

Wooley follows Mitsuo by hiding in a specially marked trunk on the plane, a desperate gambit to stay with the boy. When the plane lands, he cannot exit the trunk, prompting a rescue by the Sikitas. The stunt underscores Gilbert's stubborn commitment to Mitsuo.

After the chaotic cross-continental journey, Gilbert decides to stay in Japan and pursue a successful magic career there. This choice also reinforces his bond with Mitsuo and his family. The decision marks a hopeful new direction for his life and work.

In the finale, Harry the rabbit appears on stage and mid-performance gives birth to a litter, stunning the audience and Gilbert alike. He quips that Harry is now Harriet, providing a humorous twist. The moment seals Gilbert's adapted life in Japan and the resilient, imperfect magic of show business.