However, tired of the continual ridicule and temper of his father, he decides to leave Chicago and find a living on his own.

His mother, Mary, supports his decision against her will, realizing that Josh's conflicts with his father, Stefan, and their entire family's lack of food would eventually lead to deeper problems.

Howie convinces the reluctant Josh to bring his brother Joey along, which later turns out to be a good decision.

On the first day, Joey's singing combined with Howie's talented playing allows the trio to gain 78 cents.

Finally, in a stroke of luck, the two receive the warmth of a woman who persuades Joey to write home to their mother.

The pair ends up traveling with a bootlegger named Charley, who is transporting beer in his car.

He tries to pay for the $1.50 shoes with the twenty dollar bill, but the shopkeeper takes all of it, instead of giving him the change.

One of the women they meet at first refuses to help them, but then changes her mind out of guilt and invites the two to have soup.

Joey repays her the next day by offering her half of a loaf of bread he had gained while begging.

They find a new job working at a restaurant as a pianist and singer, and immediately become popular, despite Joey's occasional offtune singing.