The film begins by introducing a struggling paleontologist, David Huxley, as he attempts to complete his skeleton of a Brontosaurus, except he is missing one bone. He needs the skeleton to be completed in order to win over the wealthy donor, Elizabeth Random, to invest in the museum he works at. At the same time, he is facing difficulties in his relationship with the uptight and rigid Alice.
A few days before his wedding to Alice, David meets the odd Susan Vance, a rich heiress who is the complete opposite to his straight-up personality. Her brother has given her a pet leopard named Baby who needs a new home. She manipulates David into taking her and the leopard to a farm. Throughout their journey the chemistry between the two is undeniable and they begin to fall in love with each other.
Susan attempts to seduce David but they are caught in the compromising position when her aunt arrives, who turns out to be Elizabeth. The leopard is gifted to Elizabeth who is overjoyed as she had always wanted one, but Baby runs off.
Susan and David try to capture Baby, but mistakenly let loose another dangerous leopard. They are put in jail by town policeman, Constable Slocum. However, after explaining what happened they are finally released and they find Baby again.
The film skips forward some time later, with Susan visiting David at the museum. He reveals that Alice left him. Elizabeth gives him the final bone to complete his skeleton and begins to climb up the ladder to give it to him. However, she begins to fall off the ladder and instead jumps on the skeleton, damaging all of his work. However, David is just happy she is safe, and the film ends with the two professing their love for each other.
