Virgie Cary's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his dying wife and is arrested. A Yankee officer takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the officers are to be executed. Virgie and Uncle Billy beg President Lincoln to intercede.

Shirley Temple
as Virgie Cary

John Boles
as Captain Cary

Jack Holt
as Colonel Morrison

Karen Morley
as Mrs. Cary

Bill Robinson
as Uncle Billy

Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
as Sergeant Dudley

Willie Best
as James Henry

Frank McGlynn Sr.
as Abraham Lincoln

Bessie Lyle
as Mammy

Hannah Washington
as Sally Ann