In Brooklyn, N.Y., barge captain Patrick Michael Quilligan (William Bendix) falls for barmaid Margie Mossrock (Joan Blondell) because her charm reminds him of his beloved, deceased mother. Quilligan soon proposes, and Margie accepts. On a trip to Utica, N.Y., Quilligan defends shy Lucy Blake (Mary Treen) and is smitten by her home cooking. Through misunderstandings and plotting by Lucy's family, Quilligan finds himself married to both women and must concoct an outlandish tale as a cover.