Three gangsters led by Dude Finlay enter the office of chief cashier Cyril Cluett to intimidate him.

He owes them $50,000 in gambling debts, and they promise not to hurt him if he helps them rob the bank that night.

Seeing Phyllis, Cluett claims to have always been in love with her and asks to take her out that night, and with Dickson unavailable, she agrees.

Dickson tries frantically to arrange emergency money to meet the withdrawals but cannot, and the board will not help, preferring to force him out.

When the board sees the loyal depositors, they rally in support of Dickson, arranging immediate deliveries of money themselves.

American Madness marked the first in a series of legendary collaborations between Frank Capra and Robert Riskin.