The film focuses on small-town teenaged girl Mary Hagen (Shirley Temple), whom gossips believe is the illegitimate daughter of former resident and lawyer Tom Bates (Ronald Reagan).

Mary Hagen is believed by town gossips to be the illegitimate daughter of Tom Bates, a former resident and lawyer.

Bates moves back into town and begins a friendship with Hagen's favorite teacher Julia Kane (Maxwell).

When the teacher leaves town, she suggests to Bates that he stop playing Hagen's father, as it has become clear that he is in love with her and that Mary unknowingly feels the same.

[1] Lois Maxwell earned a Golden Globe Award (Most Promising Newcomer: Female) for her performance in the film.