The nearsighted Mr. Magoo turns crime buster and unknowingly puts Hot-House Harry, a most-wanted thief, into the arms of the law, but only after a series of misadventures, including lifting Magoo's house with Magoo inside.

Mr. Magoo is reading a "whodunnit" novel when his nephew, Waldo, comes in saying he has totalled Magoo's car and needs $100 to buy his uncle a new one. Magoo gives him some money but warns Waldo not to "go outside the law" while obtaining the rest. Magoo becomes suspicious and decides to track down Waldo for his own good donning a phoney beard disguise.

Looking for a tennis opponent at the swanky Outstretched Palms Hotel, Mr. Magoo mistakes a walrus for a fellow guest and takes him onto the court.

Golfing in the Ozarks, Mr. Magoo mistakes a bear for his nephew and caddy, Waldo, while the strangers are watched by a pair of suspicious mountain people armed with rifles.