Road to Singapore 1940

Josh Mallon (Bing Crosby) and Ace Lannigan (Bob Hope), two stalwart companions, share a lifelong camaraderie as they navigate the highs and lows of life on the high seas. As their vessel docks in the United States after a long and arduous journey, the duo witnesses the woeful tales of their shipmates, whose relationships with loved ones have devolved into domestic discord. Moved by empathy and a shared sense of solidarity, Josh and Ace solemnly vow to eschew romantic entanglements for good. However, this noble resolution is put to an immediate test as Ace finds himself face-to-face with the formidable Cherry (not specified), whose family demands he take on paternal responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Josh, the scion of a prominent shipping magnate (Charles Coburn), must contend with his own marital woes. His fiancée, Gloria (Judith Barrett), and his father’s expectations that he assume control of the family business serve as potent reminders of the constraints placed upon him. As tensions rise, Josh and Ace find themselves embroiled in a series of misadventures that lead them from the bustle of Honolulu to the exotic shores of Singapore.

Their escapades take an unexpected turn when they stumble upon the idyllic island of Kaigoon (located near Bali), where they encounter Mima (Dorothy Lamour), a ravishing beauty being mistreated by her partner, Caesar (Anthony Quinn). Josh and Ace intervene, rescuing Mima from her abusive situation and inviting her to join them in their humble abode. Unbeknownst to the trio, Mima’s presence would soon precipitate a series of chaotic events as they embark on various get-rich-quick schemes, including peddling a dubious spot remover that has an alarming tendency to dissolve fabric.

As Josh’s father finally tracks down his wayward son, he and Gloria arrive on the island, intent on dragging him back to face the music. Their arrival is precipitated by Caesar, who leads them straight to the trio’s festivities. By this point, both Josh and Ace have fallen deeply in love with Mima, leaving her heartbroken upon learning of Gloria’s true status as Josh’s fiancée.

Ace proposes to Mima, but before she can respond, Josh returns, sparking a heated confrontation between the two friends. In an effort to resolve their differences, they decide that Mima should choose between them. With her heart heavy with sorrow, Mima ultimately selects Ace, prompting Josh to board an ocean liner alongside Gloria and his father.

Meanwhile, Caesar reports Ace’s illegal presence on the island to the authorities, leading to his arrest when he is unable to produce a passport. Ace manages to escape but soon realizes that Mima’s affections lie elsewhere – with Josh. As the curtain closes, Ace and Mima set sail for new horizons, leaving behind a trail of misunderstandings and broken dreams.

As Josh’s vessel comes to a halt at a sun-kissed port, the air is thick with anticipation as he disembarks into a world of palm trees and vibrant culture. But little does he know, a disgruntled passenger is about to set off a chain reaction that leads him straight to his elusive friends Ace and Mima. The commotion begins when a hapless traveler complains vociferously about the catastrophic failure of a spot remover, which had reduced his suit jacket to a pile of tatters. Josh’s keen instincts immediately alert him to the presence of his quarry on the island. With his senses on high alert, he sets off in hot pursuit, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a determination to finally track down Ace and Mima. And when he finally corners them, Ace spills the beans, revealing to his best friend that Mima has been harboring a secret crush - a revelation that sends shockwaves through their already complicated dynamic.