In the early 1900s, the fictional Catfish Row section of Charleston, South Carolina serves as home to a black fishing community. Crippled beggar Porgy, who travels about in a goat-drawn cart, loves the drug-addicted Bess, who lives with stevedore Crown, the local bully.

Mike is an American charter boat captain involved in a romance with tourist Jan but Jan's aunt, Elizabeth also has the hots for Mike and tries to break up the romance. She hides her bracelet in a straw bag belonging to Mike's mate, Eban, and then claims it was stolen. She then agrees to drop the theft charges if Mike will ditch Jan and go off with her.