On a luxury liner bound for England in 1932, Harvey Cheyne Jr. ( Kenny Vadas), the spoiled orphan son of an American railway tycoon, is on his way to a prestigious boarding school with his guardian Arthur Wade ( Robert Wisden). Imperious with Wade and the crew, the obnoxious show-off wreaks chaos by masterminding a stunt that brings the ship to a complete halt. Unrepentant, Harvey shrugs off all reprimands, continuing to dole out threats and orders to the displeased officers and to Wade.
Heedless of the growing contempt he attracts, Harvey invites himself to gamble with the stewards, who barely contain their hostility towards him. During the card game, Harvey's arrogance provokes one of the stewards to offer him a cigar, knowing it will make him sick. Overwhelmed by nausea, Harvey rushes to the rail, and, losing his balance, tumbles overboard.