| Director | Charlie Chaplin |
|---|---|
| Genre | romantic comedy |
| Runtime | 103 min |
| Country | United Kingdom, United States |
| Budget | $3.5 million |
| Box office | $1.1 million |
Ogden Mears is a wealthy American diplomat traveling by ocean liner to take up a post in Saudi Arabia. Following a drunken final night in Hong Kong, he discovers Natascha, a White Russian émigré and former dance-hall hostess, hiding in his cabin's closet. Natascha, who is stateless and lacks a passport, has stowed away in a desperate attempt to reach the United States. Ogden's primary motivation is to protect his reputation and impending diplomatic appointment; if he is caught with a stowaway in his cabin, his career will be ruined.
To solve the crisis, Ogden and his valet, Hudson, concoct a plan to keep Natascha hidden from the crew and other passengers. The conflict arises from the constant threat of discovery during inspections and social visits. Eventually, to get her off the ship and provide her with legal status, Ogden arranges a marriage of convenience between Natascha and Hudson.
While Ogden and Natascha eventually fall in love, the narrative focus remains on the comedic tension of her hiding and the logistical hurdles of her statelessness. The film ends with Ogden choosing to abandon his high-society life and diplomatic career to remain with Natascha in Hawaii.