Longfellow Deeds, a small-town greeting card poet and tuba player, unexpectedly inherits a massive fortune from a distant relative. Upon relocating to New York City, Deeds quickly becomes the target of opportunists who seek to take advantage of his newfound wealth. Despite their attempts, Deeds remains good-natured and earnest, bewildered by the selfishness and greed of those around him. He catches the attention of Babe Bennett, a savvy and cynical newspaper reporter, who poses as a damsel in distress to get close to him for an exposé.

As Deeds navigates his new life, he continues to exhibit his small-town honesty and generosity, often being misunderstood or mocked. His unassuming nature makes him the subject of media ridicule while capturing Bennett's genuine interest as she starts to see beyond her initial intentions. Through his interactions with various characters, Deeds begins to see the stark contrast between his simple values and the complexities of city life. The story progresses as he faces challenges that test his integrity and kindness, ultimately determining whether these small-town virtues can survive in a world driven by money and power.