Act I
Peter Forbes, a young American millionaire, journeys to Paris and bets his friends Billy Baxter and Michael Cummins that he can live without his money for a month and, while doing so, get engaged to Looloo Caroll, a young woman he adores. Looloo is in Paris with her parents and her best friend, Joyce. The catch is that Peter has one month, until July 4, to throw their engagement party at the Chateau Madrid. While Peter pursues Looloo, Michael sets his eye on Joyce (“You've Got That Thing”). Trying to woo Looloo while penniless, Peter endures a series of humiliations. He gets a job as a tour guide, but – much to his dismay – catches the eye of Violet Hildegarde, a fur-buyer who sends risqué French postcards to her children (“Where Would You Get Your Coat?”). Meanwhile, an aspiring singer, May DeVere, also develops an interest in Peter. While Peter is preoccupied by doing his job and fighting off two potential suitors, Looloo and Billy begin flirting.
Everyone goes to the racetrack, where Louis Pernasse tells Peter that the race is fixed and a horse called Toujours Moi will win. Peter combines his money with May’s and places a bet. It appears that the horse has lost, so Peter tears up his ticket. However, the winner is disqualified, meaning Peter has won! Looloo, who had lent Peter some money, thinks he is being selfish in not sharing his winnings. Disgusted, she leaves him (“You Don’t Know Paree”).
Act II
A week later, Pernasse is busy preparing a party for Looloo’s mother, Mrs. Carroll (“Somebody’s Going To Throw A Big Party”). Mrs. Carroll plans to match Looloo with a poor but titled Grand Duke (“The Queen of Terre Haute”). Mr. Carroll, distressed at the cost, gets drunk, and Looloo does not attend, as she has no desire to marry the Grand Duke.
On July 4, Peter is working as a dance host at the Chateau Madrid. As the guests arrive, Billy and Michael continue to chase Violet and Joyce. Peter, with the pressure of the time-limit bet, proposes to Looloo. But Pernasse orders him to dance with a customer, and he obliges. Confused and embarrassed, Looloo starts to leave. Peter and Pernasse have words about the torn-up ticket, and Looloo realizes that Peter told her the the truth. She tells him she trusts him, and the young lovers become engaged – just as the clock tolls midnight (“You’ve Got That Thing” Reprise).
Principals
(5 female; 5 male)
Mrs. Emmit (Gladys) Carroll
Joyce Wheeler
Looloo Carroll
Violet Hildegarde
May DeVere
Louis Pernasse
Mr. Emmit Carroll
Michael Cummins
Billy Baxter
Peter Forbes
Supporting
Male Quartet