Michèle, an employee at the airport, is in love with American pilot Eddie Miller who regularly flies the route from New York to Paris, but problems arise when he is transferred to the Tokyo route. Meanwhile Michèle's uncle Albert who works in the freight department sets out to tackle a drug trafficking outfit.

The singer and dancer Vera Opalinska performs as Arlette in 1920s Paris, where she is a star. Next on the agenda is a tour of the United States. The contract is to be signed after a final, highly acclaimed show. During the negotiations, her new PR agent asks about her background.

The story centers on the charismatic sea captain Käpt'n Bay-Bay, portrayed by Hans Albers, who on his wedding day shares tales of his seafaring exploits with his wedding guests after an unexpected delay in the ceremony. The narrative employs a framing device where the captain, waiting at a tavern near the church, recounts through flashbacks his previous romantic misadventures and adventurous encounters at sea, blending humor, music, and exotic locales. These retrospective stories highlight his roguish charm and the obstacles that have shaped his life, all while the present-day celebration unfolds.