Informed in flashback, Depression-era bottom Dan McGinty is hired by the city's political machine to help with ballot fraudulence. His great capacity for this brings fast promotion from "the boss," who ultimately chooses he 'd be optimal as a brand-new, nominally "reform" mayor; but this candidateship requires marital relationship. His in-name-only marital relationship to truthful Catherine proves the beginning of completion for dishonest Dan ...