In 1920s Newport, Rhode Island, Theophilus North is an engaging, multi-talented, middle-class Yale University graduate who spends the summer catering to the wealthy families of the city.

Complications arise when some residents begin to ascribe healing powers to the static electricity shocks that Mr. North happens to generate frequently.

Originally, John Huston was to play James McHenry Bosworth, but just after filming began, the illness that eventually killed him forced his withdrawal.

Portions of the main character's ride along the Rhode Island coast and countryside where he lives were deleted when the screen fades to a black overlay with newly redone credits for a period of one minute and fifty seconds.

Roger Ebert said that: "The premise is sweet and innocent and the production is handsome, but the film moves slowly and doesn't really hold our attention.