The Rat Race

Pete Hammond Jr. leaves his Milwaukee home by bus, chasing a dream of becoming a jazz saxophonist in New York. He arrives in the city and begins a hopeful, if difficult, search for work. The job market in the big city is hard, and his optimism is tempered by reality.

In New York, Pete meets Peggy Brown, a model and taxi dancer who has just been evicted. He offers her a place to stay, despite her penniless state. The two form a wary, roommate-like alliance as they share the apartment.

Pete and Peggy scramble through a string of low-paying gigs while trying to keep their arrangement afloat. Peggy warns Pete that people cannot be trusted. They navigate the harsh city together as friends.

Pete finally gets an audition with a band, but the other musicians send him away to fetch beers and steal his instruments. The scam shatters his optimism and confirms Peggy's cautionary warning about trusting others. He leaves empty handed and disillusioned.

Though he has no instruments, Pete lands a job as an alto man on a cruise ship, seeking steady work while the city remains a struggle. He has to work without his own instruments, relying on the ship's resources. The cruise becomes a temporary lifeline for his musical ambitions.

Peggy seeks extra funds by visiting Nellie Miller, an abusive taxi dance hall owner who holds her in debt. Nellie forces Peggy into a no strings attached arrangement to prostitute herself for patrons to repay what she owes. Peggy agrees outwardly, masking her fear behind a cynical front.

Nellie tightens control, forcing Peggy to perform as debt payment while Pete writes to Peggy daily from the cruise, unaware of Peggy's growing danger. Peggy's relationship with Pete stays hopeful, but the circumstances keep pulling them apart. The strain tests their bond.

Peggy stalls fulfilling her end of the deal, and Nellie retaliates by stripping Peggy of her dress and shoes to prove ownership. Peggy flees the room, terrified by the threat of further disfigurement. The moment marks a turning point in their precarious arrangement.

Feeling protective, Pete gives up all his wages, his wristwatch, and his new instruments to clear Nellie's debt and keep Peggy safe. The sacrifice underscores his commitment and the danger Peggy faces. He acts to shield her at great personal cost.

Pete finally confesses his love for Peggy and they share a kiss, strengthening their bond. The moment is tempered by the memory of his past romances during the cruise. They acknowledge the risks but choose to stay connected.

Pete reveals to Peggy that he mixed with three women while on the cruise, testing her trust and confronting a painful truth. Peggy absorbs the confession and weighs how it should affect their future together.

Peggy agrees to stay with Pete, but she urges him to stop working on cruise ships. They reaffirm their commitment while facing the uncertain path ahead. Together they resolve to navigate their difficult circumstances as a team.