Things Wives Tell

Disappointed by the refusal of his son, Carl, to join him in his shipbuilding business, Colonel Burgess seeks the help of his friend Judge Langhorne in diverting Carl from his hobby--criminology. Langhorne engages reformed crook Spike Hennessey to stage sufficient criminal activity to satisfy Carl's curiosity, and Spike further plans with Ben Felton and Kerrigan to plant Elaine Mackay in Carl's apartment. However, Ben and Red decide to play their blackmail threat for real; Carl marries Elaine, who, reforming, declines further connection with the conspiracy. Finally, coerced by Ben and Red, Elaine leaves Carl, who follows her and discovers the truth of the situation. Rescuing Elaine, Carl declares his intention to keep her as his wife; he receives his family's approval when it is learned that Elaine is the granddaughter of Langhorne's sister, and Burgess happily welcomes Carl into his business.