On a mad scavenger hunt, socialite Irene Bullock (Allyson) stumbles upon grizzled street person Godfrey (Niven) underneath an East River Bridge. Claiming him as a scavenger item, Irene wins the contest. Delighted and impressed with him, the daffy heiress makes him the new family butler. As Irene succumbs to his romantic charms, Godfrey slowly wins over the entire family with his extraordinary wit and style - all except Irene's jealous sister Cordelia (Martha Hyer).