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Lawrence Cromwell, a noted Broadway producer and authority on feminine beauty, is appointed Secretary of Amusement, and assigned the responsibility of raising the spirits of the American people so that they can lick the Depression.  At a meeting with his assistant secretaries, Lawrence's eye is caught by Mary Adams, head of the children's division, and they begin dating.

Some time later, Lawrence's secretary Fosdick announces that George Bernard Shaw is there to see him, but George turns out to be a shimmy-sham dancer whom Lawrence hires as Fosdick's assistant.

In another part of Washington, John Harly meets with fellow businessmen to complain about Lawrence.  They have made many business deals that depend on the continuance of the Depression, and they are worried that Lawrence's plans will succeed.  To stop Lawrence, Harly initiates a giant smear campaign against him.

Back at Amusement Headquarters, Jimmy Dugan and his little daughter Shirley wait to see Lawrence.  Shirley wanders off and is brought to Mary, who sends for Jimmy.  When Lawrence arrives, Jimmy asks for an exemption to the new law that a child under seven may not work.  Lawrence gives his permission and the Dugans perform their act for him.

Elsewhere, members of the Senate discuss Lawrence's extravagance, with the result that Senators Danforth and Short are assigned to investigate.  They talk with Lawrence and tour the facilities with Eustace Dinwiddie, Lawrence's general scout.  Later that day, Lawrence goes aboard Harly's yacht, where Harly unsuccessfully attempts to bribe him into giving up.

The next morning, in another meeting with his assistants, Lawrence complains about the department's slow progress, the result of an unseen foe spreading discord.  The majority of the assistants stand behind Lawrence, but one, Turner, tells him that the department must be closed.  After the meeting, Lawrence tells Mary that he is quitting because he cannot handle the pressures from Congress, reporters and investigators, as well as from the public.  She says that he is wrong to quit, but that she loves him and will support him regardless.

While Mary then watches an audition for Lawrence, George helps a penguin that talks like Jimmy Durante.

That afternoon, Lawrence becomes incensed by a radio report that his incompetence is forcing his resignation, which will be a victory for solid citizens everywhere.  Mary comes in to inform him that the children's division is a huge success, but before she can, he tells her that he is sticking to his guns.  He warns her that the drastic budget cuts he must make will result in the cancellation of the children's division, but as they are talking, they hear another radio news flash about the Amusement Department's success, which is attributed largely to Mary's division.  The President calls Lawrence to congratulate him, and Lawrence humbly tells him about Mary's contribution.  After the phone call, Lawrence and Mary are notified that the Depression is officially over, and they participate in a gigantic celebration parade featuring people from all walks of life.