The daring convict no. 23, known as The Eel, escapes from prison and, after mocking his inept persecutors, saves the lives of three people in peril: a beautiful girl, her mother and an annoying suitor, only to get exhausted and almost drowned. Once he regains his strength at Judge Brown's home, he participates on an upper-class social party where he competes with the suitor for the favors of the charming Miss Brown. But prison guards are still after him…

Charlie Chaplin
as The Eel / Commodore Slick

Edna Purviance
as Miss Brown - The Girl

Eric Campbell
as The Suitor

Henry Bergman
as Judge Brown - The Father / Docker

Albert Austin
as The Butler

Marta Golden
as Mrs. Brown - The Mother

Toraichi Kono
as Chauffeur (uncredited)

Phyllis Allen
as Governess (uncredited)

John Rand
as Party Guest (uncredited)

Loyal Underwood
as Party Guest (uncredited)