"The Palm Beach Story" is a 1942 romantic comedy film directed by Preston Sturges. The story follows Gerry Jeffers, played by Claudette Colbert, who seeks a divorce from her husband, Tom Jeffers, portrayed by Joel McCrea. She believes that separating will help Tom succeed in his career as an inventor. Gerry travels to Palm Beach, where she encounters a wealthy man, John D. Hackensacker III, played by Rudy Vallee. As she navigates the social scene, misunderstandings and comedic situations arise, ultimately leading to a series of events that challenge her feelings about love and marriage.