To prevent his inheritance from going to his greedy family, a steel tycoon (Richard Bennett) chooses eight random strangers and gives them each $1 million. Among those chosen are an entertainer (W.C. Fields) who uses the money to clear bad drivers from the road, a Marine (Gary Cooper) who believes the check is an April Fool's Day prank, and an office clerk (Charles Laughton) who finally sees an opportunity to quit his job. The unexpected windfalls bring joy -- or tragedy -- to the recipients.