A music critic is mysteriously attacked in his Manhattan penthouse and thinks that a new composer whom he has panned is responsible.

An important political prisoner is awaiting execution by the men who have overthrown his country's government. The night before he is to face the firing squad, he is given a choice: if he will give up fighting for his cause, he will be set free.

After years of hard work, Professor Theodore Koering, nuclear scientist has been awarded the Nobel Prize. Reporters sent to interview him are surprised at his apparent lack of interest in the honor accorded him, and baffled by his refusal to cooperate for pictures and stories. Their first lead develops when Kering forbids them to interview the widow of his former assistant.

Ada Harris, a London charwoman in the 1950's, sees a Dior dress and decides that she's going to own one. First, she scrimps and saves her money, but when she has enough, and takes a trip to Paris, she learns that buying an original couture creation is a little harder than simply plunking down cash. Along the way to her goal, she manages to befriend a count, unite young lovers, and dodge customs.

A policeman apprehends the reckless driver of a vehicle when a little girl almost gets hit and finds himself being bribed by the driver, a wealthy playboy.

A widower's dreams of escaping his job and family with a trip to the South Seas fall through when his spoiled irresponsible son asks him for a large sum of money.