Jo March and her husband Professor Bhaer operate the Plumfield School for poor boys. When Dan, a tough street kid, comes to the school, he wins Jo's heart despite his hard edge, and she defends him when he is falsely accused. Dan's foster father, Major Burdle, is a swindler in cahoots with another crook called Willie the Fox. When the Plumfield School becomes in danger of foreclosure, the two con men cook up a scheme to save the home.

Kay Francis
as Josephine "Jo" Bhaer

Jack Oakie
as William "Willie" Deming

George Bancroft
as Major I.I. Burdle

Jimmy Lydon
as Daniel "Danny" Burdle

Ann Gillis
as Nan

Carl Esmond
as Professor Bhaer

Richard Nichols
as Teddy Bhaer

Casey Johnson
as Robby

Francesca Santoro
as Bess

Johnny Burke
as Silas