The Major and the Minor

Facing unwanted advances from Albert Osborne, Susan Applegate decides to leave her job as a scalp massager in New York City. She plans to return to her simpler life in Stevenson, Iowa, seeking to find peace away from the chaos of her current existence.

At the train station, Susan faces financial constraints that compel her to adopt a clever disguise. She takes on the persona of 'Su-Su,' portraying herself as an innocent 12-year-old girl, hoping to avoid scrutiny and reach her destination unnoticed.

After being caught smoking by two suspicious conductors, Susan seeks refuge in the compartment of Major Philip Kirby. He mistakes her for a scared child and allows her to stay, leading to an unexpected bond forming between them during the journey.

The train takes an unexpected detour due to flooding, leading to a chance meeting with Philip's fiancée, Pamela Hill. This delayed stop introduces complications as Pamela boards the train and discovers Susan sleeping in the bunk, misconstruing the situation.

Upon finding Susan in the lower bunk, Pamela jumps to the wrong conclusion about Philip's loyalty. Alarmed, she hastily reports her suspicions, which leads to a critical moment where Philip must clarify Susan's true identity with his knowing smile.

Lucy, Pamela's sister and aspiring biologist, sees through Susan's disguise and seizes the opportunity to enlist her help. Together, they devise a plan to prevent Pamela from keeping Philip at the academy, ensuring he won't be deployed.

Susan disguises herself as Pamela to change Philip's military status. She makes a covert call to one of Pamela's connections in Washington, leading to significant changes in Philip's assignment and further complicating matters.

As Susan continues her charade, she becomes a favorite among the cadets at the academy. They invent a humorous method for stealing kisses, based on the historical event of the Maginot Line, showcasing the lighthearted yet chaotic atmosphere.

As the academy's dance approaches, Philip reveals his forthcoming deployment to active duty, expressing gratitude to Pamela for her support. However, Pamela’s reluctance to marry him on short notice creates tension in their relationship.

During a gathering, Cadet Clifford Osborne unintentionally exposes Susan's true identity to Pamela. This revelation puts Philip's military career at stake and jeopardizes Susan's plans as secrets start tumbling out.

Albert Senior recognizes Susan as both Su-Su and Susan Applegate, complicating their situation further. His revelation puts pressure on Philip to find a solution to safeguard both his and Susan's future amid rising tensions.

Back in Stevenson, Susan is consumed by thoughts of Philip, feeling a deep connection with him. Her fiancé, Will Duffy, and her mother notice her distraction, indicating that something significant is pulling her away from her old life.

Philip visits the Applegate household and is struck by the similarities between Susan and her mother. He shares his struggles with the chaos of war and narrates tales of vulnerable soldiers, creating a poignant moment between them.

As the train station looms ahead, Philip and Susan's paths converge once more. Their reunion is infused with hope; Susan boldly offers her name and her desire to marry him, hinting at a shared future filled with promise.

Amid shouts of names and the departing train, Philip and Susan share a tender kiss, sealing their commitment to each other. Their futures become intertwined as they race after the train, signifying the journey ahead, framed by love and uncertainty.