After fifteen years as a tramp, shuffling Will Rogers (as Jubilo) hops a train to California and locates the man who ran away with his wife, while Mr. Rogers was at war. Though his wife is now deceased, Rogers meets pretty blonde daughter Marian Nixon (as Rose). En route, he witnessed her step-brother and romantic interest Dick Powell (as Dan Hardy) was involved in a bank robbery. Not knowing he is her real father, Ms. Nixon helps Rogers get a job as handyman for successful politician Frederick Burton (as Judge Hardy), the man who stole Rogers' wife. Rogers can either take Burton's life, or forgive him...

Rogers returns to one of his most successful silent film impressions. Explaining, "My assets are temporarily frozen," he easily and expertly drawls his "Jubilo" character. "Too Busy to Work" was a sound re-make for Rogers and Fox Films, but the addition of talking does not enhance the story. Charlie Chaplin's lesson holds true; tramps are more endearing in silence. Still, you get a marvelous example of Rogers' ability to characterize. From a rabbit hunt to a car chase, he is excellent. Conveying a shared heritage, Rogers and Louise Beavers (as "Mammy") take some offense out of the "politically incorrect".