It was directed by Roy William Neill and is based on Clyde Fitch's 1909 Broadway play.

[1][2] After the death of George Rand Sr., the family breadwinner, a former criminal who has honestly rebuilt his life, his family members move to the city, where George Rand Junior soon finds himself running for mayor.

The wife, on the other hand, neglects the family to pursue her social ambitions while young Cicely is tricked by Hannock, a drug addict who is responsible for the death of old Rand.

Knowing the dead man's background, Hannock now blackmails George, his son, who eventually gives up his political ambitions and confronts the blackmailer.

The latter ends up committing suicide and the family hurries to leave the city to return to the village.