Nick Charles, a 41-year-old ex-detective, waits at a New York City speakeasy for his wife, Nora, to finish Christmas shopping. A young woman introduces herself as Dorothy Wynant, the daughter of an inventor named Clyde Wynant, who is one of Nick’s former clients. She asks if Nick has seen him, as she hasn’t since he divorced her mother, Mimi. Nick says he has not and suggests asking Herbert Macaulay, Wynant’s lawyer. While Dorothy calls Macaulay, Nora arrives with their dog, Asta. Dorothy successfully contacts Macaulay and arranges a meeting. Nick introduces Nora to Dorothy, who says her mother is remarried with the last name of Jorgensen and that they should come to see her.

The next day, Macaulay wakes Nick up mid-morning with a phone call, and Nick asks him to his hotel for lunch. While he and Nora try to cure their hangovers with more drinks, someone calls for Macaulay and asks that he call the office as soon as he arrives. Nick tells Nora he worked several jobs for Macaulay and that he seems to be a good lawyer. Macauley arrives and calls his office as requested.