The Man Who Walked Alone

Willie is running away from an arranged marriage to Alvin Bailey, a socially prominent young man. She describes her situation as a desperate escape, indicating she did not want to marry him and chose to flee in Bailey's car rather than go through with the wedding.

Marion is a decorated war hero who was honorably discharged for medical reasons. He hitchhikes deliberately to avoid publicity, not out of financial necessity. He prefers to remain anonymous rather than draw attention to himself as a nationally recognized hero.

Willie initially assumes Marion has avoided military service based on his civilian appearance. Even after learning he has a decorated uniform, she still suspects he may be an Army deserter until he explains he received an honorable discharge for medical reasons, which clears up the misunderstanding.

The Hammond family, particularly Mrs. Hammond and Alvin Bailey, view Marion with suspicion because he is a stranger who arrived with Willie in suspicious circumstances. They assume a man of Marion's modest background must be pursuing Willie for her wealth, especially after she brought him to the family mansion.

Marion was inspired to settle in Plainfield because a friend he lost in battle described the small town so vividly. Since Marion has no other strong ties to any place, he decided to make Plainfield his home, inheriting the friend's connection to the community.

After learning Marion was honorably discharged and is not a deserter, Willie offers him the chauffeur position to keep him nearby. This job allows Marion to stay in Plainfield and gives Willie an opportunity to continue their developing relationship while providing him with legitimate employment.

Willie brings Marion to her family mansion but claims to be the family's secretary because she lost her key. When Marion crawls through a window to enter, it triggers another police involvement, leading to their temporary arrest for breaking and entering before their identities are confirmed.

Marion is revealed to be a nationally recognized war hero. Once his true identity becomes known, the mayor and governor honor him with a parade, and the residents of Plainfield celebrate him as a local hero, transforming his reputation from suspected gold digger to honored citizen.

As Marion prepares to leave Plainfield, Willie, now wearing her wedding dress, chases after him. This role reversal symbolizes her genuine affection for him and her commitment, she is choosing him over her arranged marriage to Alvin Bailey, offering herself to him rather than waiting to be pursued.

Alvin Bailey disapproves because he is Willie's fiancé and expects to marry her. He views Marion as a rival and threat to their arranged marriage. Bailey also sends his friend Champ to alert police about Marion and backs his mother Mrs. Hammond's attempts to buy Marion off, trying to protect his social standing and intended marriage.