Spoiled Ellie Andrews (Colbert) escapes from her millionaire father (Walter Connolly), who wants to stop her from marrying a worthless playboy. En route to New York, Ellie gets involved with an out-of-work newsman, Peter Warne (Gable).

When their bus breaks down, the bickering couple set off on a madcap hitchhiking expedition. Complications fly when the runaway heiress and brash reporter fall in love.

Directed by Frank Capra (It's A Wonderful Life), It Happened One Night was the first movie to be honoured with all five major Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.