It was the final film made by star Will Rogers and was released posthumously, a month after he was killed in an airplane crash on August 15, 1935.

Doctor John Pearly, who sells Pocahontas patent medicine that is mostly pure alcohol, buys a broken down paddleboat steamer and intends to spend his sunset years leisurely cruising the Mississippi River with his nephew Duke as crewman.

It seems to be a clear case of self-defense and having faith in the Justice System, Rogers convinces Duke to give himself up to the local sheriff, Rufe Jeffers.

Jeffers is a good natured butterball who does his best to make Duke comfortable under the circumstances, including putting on musical saw concerts for his fellow inmates.

Before they leave, Duke and Fleety are married in a jailhouse ceremony where the phrase "Till Death Do You Part" has a definite double meaning.

The ramshackle entry draws the raucous scorn of veteran Captain Eli---and they end up betting each other's boats on the outcome.