Chauncey Short, an orphan, takes a job as a clerk in a village grocery store. One day a letter arrives informing him that his uncle has died and has left him $5,000,000. Chauncey recklessly starts spending the money until he meets a banker's daughter, who has a positive influence on him. Chauncey then helps the banker through a financial crisis.—scsu1975

Chauncey Short is left an orphan. He becomes clerk in a village grocery. One day a letter arrives. His uncle, who had refused to aid the lad's dying mother has himself died and left Chauncey $5,000,000. Chauncey hits the high places and spends money like water. But one day he meets a girl, a banker's daughter, who becomes his good influence. Chauncey, by dint of his natural good sense, helps the banker in a financial crisis that threatens to blast the lives of the banker's family. "The Gilded Fool" saves the day, exposes a rascal, and marries the girl.—Moving Picture World synopsis