It was based on the short story of the same name by Gordon Malherbe Hillman published in the November 1933 issue of American Magazine.

Despite his alcoholism, Vance cares for his children, Joan and Donald, bringing them up on the classics, teaching them Latin, and having them recite Shakespeare.

With a city election for mayor nearing, Iron Hat is informed that every vote in the city is already locked in place, with a likely tie between the boss's handpicked current mayor and a rival, with one exception in one crucial ward—Gregory Vance.

At the same time, Vance's wealthy in-laws are threatening to take custody of his children, something Joan and Donald do not want, despite the material advantages that would offer them.

Vance himself is reluctant to be a party to such dirty politics, but when he demands getting the job offer in writing, he is able to expose the corruption of the mayor and Iron Hat.