When Paramount got around to making a film version of the play Sailor Beware, the Production Code was in full effect so to please the Hays Office the original story had to be toned down somewhat.
The idea is that a timid sailor is goaded into proving he can make a certain woman by bringing back a token which proves he has succeeded, here it is a contest ribbon the girl has won in a beauty contest.
Lew Ayres who had played at least one similar part before is the shy sailor and his fellow seaman goading him is the hunky Buster Crabbe who is known for his success with the dames, the heroine is the attractive Mary Carlisle.
Dorothy Parker is listed as one of the writers who adapted the play but I don't recall any especially scintillating dialogue.