Elmer (Buster Keaton) works at a clock repair shop and falls for a woman named Paula (Dorothy Sebastian), a customer who brings in her watch to be fixed. Eventually, Elmer invites Paula to go to the circus with him, where she soon becomes enamored with the lead trapeze artist (George J. Lewis). In an effort to win her heart, Elmer attempts to become an expert in acrobatics as well by practicing in his backyard with a swing and mattress, but with very little success. In the end, though, he is able to show his true mettle, performing amazing athletic feats in order to save Paula from a deadly fire.[2]
The scene where Elmer rescues Paula from the fire was featured on Sesame Street, teaching the concept of "help." The segment was narrated by Anne Meara.