A murderer, a detective, and a fatally-ill woman are aboard a ship bound from Hong Kong to San Francisco. When the sleuth (Warren Hymer) apprehends the murderer (played with polish--of course--by William Powell), and the murderer falls for the woman (Kay Francis), this oneway passage bound to San Quentin takes some unexpected detours--with the able help of con-artists Aline MacMahon as the “Countess” and Frank McHugh as Skippy. While Warner Brothers isn't known for its romances, when the brothers decided to try their hand(s) at one, their reliable studio “factory” produced quality: “One Way Passage is one of the great romances of the '30s. It is performed with elegant conviction by William Powell and Kay Francis, and ends on a note of extended sadness and regret. Sentimental it is, but never maudlin.” Steven Zito (as quoted in January, 1974 National Film Theatre Bulletin)