Fight promoter Nick Donati grooms a bellhop as a future champ, but has second thoughts after the now-named Kid Galahad falls for his sister.

When a bellhop knocks out fighter Chuck McGraw, promoter Nick Donati realizes he's a potential champ. "Kid Galahad" justifies Nick's confidence, but Nick's mistress Fluff falls for him; in turn, the Kid falls for Nick's young sister. Now overprotective brother Nick turns against his new fighter, leading to a near-disastrous title fight and a murderous confrontation.—Rod Crawford <[email protected]>

Boxing promoter Nick Donati (Edward G. Robinson) is double-crossed by his boxer, who throws a fight after being bribed by gangster Turkey Morgan (Humphrey Bogart). Nick and his girlfriend Louise "Fluff" Phillips (Bette Davis) use their remaining money to throw a wild, days-long party before finding a new boxing prospect. Morgan and champion boxer Chuck McGraw (William Haade) arrive uninvited and McGraw insults Fluff. Ward Guisenberry (Wayne Morris), a naïve bellhop who Nick ordered to mix drinks, proceeds to knock out McGraw. Nick is impressed and convinces Ward to try boxing. Morgan also tries to sign Ward, but Ward knocks him down. To avoid Morgan's wrath, Fluff sends Ward to Nick's family's farm without Nick's knowledge, since Nick does not want his family mixed up in boxing. At the farm, Ward falls for Nick's younger sister, Marie (Jane Bryan), while Fluff also falls for Ward. Nick brings Ward back to the city and dubs him "Kid Galahad," and Ward quickly ascends the ranks. Fluff realizes that Ward loves Marie and that she no longer loves Nick, so she leaves. When Marie visits Ward, they are photographed together and Nick learns of their relationship. Infuriated by this, Nick arranges for Ward to fight McGraw despite knowing Ward is not ready and advises Ward to fight a losing strategy. But when Fluff and Morgan realize what is going on, there will be consequences for all.—Patrick Depew