In the midst of the Great Depression, socialite sisters Cornelia and Irene Bullock participate in a scavenger hunt that requires them to find a "forgotten man." They encounter Godfrey, a down-and-out individual living at a city dump. Irene persuades Godfrey to accompany her to the event, winning her the competition while showcasing the disparity between the wealthy and impoverished. Impressed by Godfrey's intelligence and demeanor, Irene offers him a job as the family butler. Godfrey accepts, and soon his presence begins to expose and address the underlying dysfunctions within the Bullock household.

As Godfrey settles into his new role, he maintains an air of mystery about his past. His competence and calm demeanor starkly contrast with the chaotic eccentricities of the Bullock family, particularly the spoiled Cornelia and the free-spirited Irene, who develops a romantic interest in him. While managing the household’s various crises with wit and resourcefulness, Godfrey slowly reveals that there is more to him than meets the eye. His true identity and intentions remain hidden as he navigates a labyrinth of social expectations and personal agendas.