A romantic comedy exploring the emotional turbulence of remarriage, past love, and personal choice.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Palm Beach Reunion
Vicky and Bob arrive for their honeymoon, but Vicky unexpectedly encounters her first husband Raoul on the hotel terrace, sparking immediate tension.
Key Events
Honeymoon Arrival — Vicky and Bob arrive for their honeymoon. Characters: Vicky, Bob BentonLocation: Palm Beach Hotel
Terrace Encounter — Vicky unexpectedly finds Raoul on the terrace. Characters: Vicky, Raoul McLieshLocation: Ballroom Terrace
Rekindled Kisses — The couple kisses as if never divorced. Characters: Vicky, Raoul McLieshLocation: Ballroom Terrace
Triangular Introduction — Raoul is introduced to Bob, creating tension. Characters: Vicky, Bob Benton, Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Lobby
Raccoon Gift — Bob sends a raccoon to Raoul as a prank. Characters: Raoul McLiesh, Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Corridor
Hotel Intrigue
Raoul decides to stay, bringing his valet Leo and a provocative cigarette girl Joy. Bob's flirtatious behavior with Joy triggers Vicky's jealousy.
Key Events
Raccoon Gift — Bob sends a raccoon to Raoul as a prank. Characters: Raoul McLiesh, Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Corridor
Valet Arrival — Leo joins Raoul as his personal valet. Characters: Raoul McLiesh, Leo MacTavishLocation: Hotel Room
Decision to Stay — Raoul chooses to remain at the hotel. Characters: Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Terrace
Joy's Introduction — Raoul brings cigarette girl Joy to the hotel. Characters: Raoul McLiesh, JoyLocation: Hotel Entrance
Jealousy Ignites — Bob's flirting with Joy triggers Vicky's jealousy. Characters: Vicky, Joy, Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Lounge
Emotional Shift
With Bob away on business, Vicky and Raoul grow closer. Leo and Joy get married, while the romantic triangle intensifies into a storm of emotions.
Key Events
Jealousy Ignites — Bob's flirting with Joy triggers Vicky's jealousy. Characters: Vicky, Joy, Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Lounge
Bob's Departure — Bob leaves for business obligations. Characters: Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Station
Closer Bond — Vicky and Raoul grow emotionally closer. Characters: Vicky, Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Garden
Emotional Confession — Vicky confesses Raoul is her only real love. Characters: Vicky, Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Balcony
Leo & Joy Wedding — Leo and Joy officially marry. Characters: Leo MacTavish, JoyLocation: Local Chapel
Storm of Emotions — The romantic triangle reaches peak tension. Characters: Vicky, Bob Benton, Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Suite
Climactic Resolution
The three protagonists face a direct confrontation. Vicky must choose between her past passion and present stability, leading to a definitive emotional resolution.
Key Events
Storm of Emotions — The romantic triangle reaches peak tension. Characters: Vicky, Bob Benton, Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Suite
Rival Confrontation — Direct clash between the two husbands. Characters: Raoul McLiesh, Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Corridor
Vicky's Dilemma — Vicky struggles with her conflicting feelings. Characters: VickyLocation: Hotel Room
Raoul's Plea — Raoul begs Vicky not to let him go. Characters: Raoul McLiesh, VickyLocation: Hotel Terrace
Bob's Realization — Bob understands the depth of the past connection. Characters: Bob BentonLocation: Hotel Lobby
Joy's New Beginning — Joy embraces her married life with Leo. Characters: Joy, Leo MacTavishLocation: Hotel Courtyard
Vicky's Choice — Vicky makes a definitive decision about her future. Characters: Vicky, Raoul McLiesh, Bob BentonLocation: Palm Beach Shore
Resolution Phase — Emotional tensions settle into clarity. Characters: Vicky, Bob Benton, Raoul McLieshLocation: Hotel Veranda
Final Departure — Vicky and Bob leave for their new life. Characters: Vicky, Bob BentonLocation: Palm Beach Station
Story Breakdown
Honeymoon Arrival — The story opens with Vicky and Bob's vacation setup in Palm Beach.
Palm Beach Setting — Establishes the luxurious resort backdrop for the narrative.
Couple Introduction — Introduces the newly remarried couple and their initial dynamic.
Past Love Returns — Raoul's unexpected appearance disrupts the honeymoon peace.
Joy's Introduction — Raoul brings the cigarette girl, altering group dynamics.
Bob's Behavior — Bob flirts with Joy, directly provoking Vicky's jealousy.
Emotional Confrontation — The romantic triangle escalates as Bob leaves and tensions peak.
Business Departure — Bob's absence removes the buffer, forcing direct interaction.
Triangle Storm — Vicky, Raoul, and Bob navigate conflicting desires and loyalties.
Wedding Subplot — Leo and Joy's marriage provides a parallel romantic resolution.
Leo & Joy Union — The valet and cigarette girl formalize their relationship.
Parallel Romance — Their union mirrors and contrasts the main couple's turmoil.
Climactic Choice — Vicky faces the ultimate decision between past and present.
Vicky's Confession — She openly admits Raoul's irreplaceable role in her life.
Final Decision — Vicky resolves her internal conflict and chooses a path forward.
Resolution Phase — The narrative concludes with emotional clarity and new beginnings.
Emotional Clarity — All characters understand their true feelings and boundaries.
New Beginnings — Vicky and Bob depart, leaving the past behind them.
Raoul McLish stops over in Miami Beach where he runs into his ex-wife, Vicky Benton, and her new husband Bob, a belt manufacturer. At first Bob enjoys Raoul's presence - in part because Vicky is his not Raoul's and in part because Raoul is a lot of fun. The fun wears thin for Bob as his seriousness and possessiveness take over. When Bob leaves for a few days to settle a labor dispute at his factory, Vicky and Raoul spend time together, Winchell's column implies untoward behavior, Bob barks at Vicky, and that gets her back up. Can things be sorted out? Help comes from Raoul's upright valet, McTavish, and a principled cigarette girl, Joy, whom Raoul picks up.
