Monsieur Verdoux tells the story of a man who, after losing his job during the Great Depression, turns to a life of crime by marrying and murdering wealthy women. Set in the 1930s and 1940s, the film explores themes of wealth, capitalism, and the darker side of human nature.

Vaudevillian Joe Pitt sweeps young Sally Patter off of her feet and steals the lovestruck girl away from her small-town family to join his act. She winds up heartbroken, pregnant and broke when Joe runs off with the magician's sexy assistant. Sally bravely persists and her immense dancing and singing talent gain the notice of prominent producer, Wade Valentine. Under Valentine's tutelage, she rockets to Broadway stardom while Joe Pitt is reduced to waiting on tables. Alone, Sally proudly gives birth to a baby son. Wade proposes marriage to his beloved protege and it appears that Joe Pitt may never learn about the son he has fathered.

Young kids face off in a dance competition.

Comedy skit shown as part of a theatrical revue. 'The picture is supposed to be a Hollywood drama of English life, wildly burlesqued, and in the middle of projection Maisie Gay stands up in the stalls, protests, argues with the players on the screen, and then steps into the picture. Finally a chorus of duchesses steps from screen to stage and the revue becomes tri-dimensional.' (Kinematograph Weekly)