[1][2] The film opens in a documentary style with narration and the introduction of two government officials associated with the prison system, as themselves, talking across a desk in an office setting.

Kitty is involved with a gang planning a bank robbery when she meets and helps down-and-out Joe in a diner.

Joe can't pay for what has been his first meal in three days, and has been unable to find work due to a broken wrist that was never set.

The benevolent, compassionate, and highly effective prison system of 1939 offers help and understanding to all of the gang members, but only some- including Kitty and Joe- are willing to put their lives back on the right path.

After being paroled, both Kitty and Joe are immediately accepted and trusted in new jobs on the outside, but face challenges when another criminal attempts to draw them back into trouble.