Mr. Treadway is disappointed with son Jim (James Hall) for not making the boat crew at college while his freshman brother, Ralph (Richard Arlen), makes the team and upholds the family tradition. The brother are both captivated by the charms of Carol Fleming (Louise Brooks), but Ralph is handicapped by hazing and strict training rules. On the eve of the big college race, Jim takes Carol to a dance and leaves Ralph burning with jealousy; deciding to brave official disapproval, Ralph goes to the dance and takes a jazzy young blonde to a roadhouse. Jim follows and ejects his brother after a fight and is himself found with the girl. After being acclaimed a hero, Ralph confesses that he is to blame for Jim's disgrace, and Carol finds happiness with the older brother.