It tells the story of Sam Campbell (Jerome Cowan) and his secretary Robbie Vance (Jane Wyman), who take a vacation and uncover a murder.

Larry Borden's career as a concert pianist ended when a dispute with wealthy father-in-law Harvey Carr wound up with his hand chopped by an ax.

Harvey's daughter and Larry's ex-wife, Irene, also turn up, along with another dead body, the estate's handyman.

A theory develops that Carr's death involved a wartime spy ring and a chemical plant he owned, and Goff is implicated.

In December 1941 Warners announced they would film it as a vehicle for Humphrey Bogart instead of a sequel to The Maltese Falcon.