In a peaceful town in New England, a peculiar initial discovery diverts the routine of its inhabitants: the corpse of a mysterious man named Harry. However, what should be a macabre event turns into a comedic series of misunderstandings and mishaps among the townsfolk. The situation takes an unexpected turn when a local woman, who seems more interested in what Harry can offer her in terms of romance than in his deplorable condition, begins to investigate his past. Meanwhile, a young painter becomes increasingly obsessed with the body, believing that his art will flourish with such an unusual 'model.'
As the stories of the different characters unfold—each with their own theories about how and why Harry died—the plot delves into a game of entanglements and secrets. Laughter intertwines with moments of confusion as the entire town becomes involved, one way or another, in the "solution" to the mystery, while the need to dispose of the body leads to absurd and hilarious situations. This is Alfred Hitchcock's first film in the comedy genre, playing with the idea of mortality and misunderstandings, and offering, through its eccentric characters, a reflection on how love and life can sometimes arise from the most unexpected places. With a touch of dark humor, this story reminds us that, after all, problems can be the key to finding happiness.