In 1911, minor stage comic, Vernon Castle meets the stage-struck Irene Foote. A few misadventures later, they marry and then abandon comedy to attempt a dancing career together. While they're performing in Paris, an agent sees them rehearse and starts them on their brilliant career as the world's foremost ballroom dancers. However, at the height of their fame, World War I begins.
Otto Ott owns and operates a summer garden, which is successful if only because they serve the largest beers in town for only 5ยข apiece. The problem is Otto's manager wife. Although they have been married only a year, to him it feels like an eternity. Mrs. Ott is the bane of all the waiters' existences, all of whom she fires. This situation causes a staffing problem for Otto. Otto's solution may lead to another problem for him at home, while Mrs. Ott's solution causes further problems for Otto, one which may not be entirely her fault.
Sheriff Ben Holden is in love with hotel owner Madge Malarkey when down-and-out carnival man Gabby Gilfoil shows up hoping to take her for some money. Gilfoil is mistaken for the wanted man Slippery Sawtelle. Neither suitor gets Malarkey but manage to take her husband (wealthy Simeon Trott) for a bundle.
As youths, Carl Pfeiffer and Henry Block came to America from Germany. Pfeiffer became a wholesale shoe dealer, while Block became a banker. In spite of their lines of work, they apparently save most of their energy for their unending arguments with each other. The latest dispute involves the Great War (the film takes place in the days just before America became involved).
