Three sailors—Gabey, Chip, and Ozzie—are on a 24-hour shore leave in New York City, eager to experience the sights, sounds, and romance the bustling metropolis offers. Gabey is particularly smitten with the idea of finding 'Miss Turnstiles,' a woman he's only seen on a subway poster, who embodies the beauty and excitement of the city. After they disembark, the trio splits up, embarking on their own adventures, but with plans to meet up later. Chip, armed with a guidebook and a desire to see the famous landmarks, quickly finds himself sidetracked by a spirited cab driver with her own agenda for their time together.

Ozzie, the affable, fun-loving sailor, inadvertently becomes an object of attraction and fascination for an industrious female anthropologist, who is struck by his uncanny resemblance to an ancient statue. Meanwhile, Gabey's search for the enchanting 'Miss Turnstiles' leads him into a series of comical and unexpected situations, as his friends also encounter their own comedic misadventures. The city's vibrant energy fuels their escapades as they race against time, trying to make the most of their short liberty period. Each sailor's journey through New York is interspersed with monumental landmarks, lively musical numbers, and the ever-present ticking clock reminding them of their impending departure.