The U.S.S. Villaume, a Navy ship, has all positions filled except for the barber’s. Just as they set out to a cruise in the Far East, Mr. Ffrench, the Executive Officer, requests for all officers to submit lists of potential men who can fill the spot. Mr. Baldwin is surprised when Farlow, one of his seamen working on deck, requests to take the job. Farlow is a clumsy young man who has been onboard for two years and mostly kept to himself. He has tried out multiple duties with little success, leading Mr. Baldwin to be skeptical of putting him in such an important role. Farlow supplies a list of seamen he has already tested his barber skills on, and Mr. Baldwin can recognize the strange cut they all share. He gives in to Farlow’s request and recommends him for the job, only to be strongly refused by Mr. Ffrench who does not trust Farlow’s abilities. Farlow continues his work in hopes of getting the position and soon multiple men on ship are walking around with his unusual signature haircut, referred to as the Farlow Express. Mr. Ffrench is stubborn about changing his decision but eventually concedes and gets his hair cut in the same fashion as everyone else. As they go through smooth and rough patches through their Asia cruise, Farlow’s barbershop becomes the heart of the ship. The men aboard go there regularly for drinks and games, and it becomes a pivotal community spot to uplift their spirits. When they finish their trip through Asia after half a year, it is the end of Farlow’s time with the Navy. He bids Mr. Baldwin farewell and invites him to visit and get his haircut in New Hampshire.