With their mother in a workhouse, and as their father continues to dawdle through life, Charlie and Syd face a new life at a School for Orphans and Destitute Children. When Syd volunteers for the Navy, Charlie finds himself on his own.
After Charles Sr. helps discharge Charlie from the School for Orphans, Charlie discovers his innate ability as an actor, and convinces his father to reunite with his mother. Then, when life challenges the Chaplins once again, Syd returns.
As Charlie energetically continues his acting career, he and Syd must figure out a way to bring stability to their family. Syd's new job gets them started on the right foot, but to stay afloat, Syd and Charlie will need to work together.