 Once a famous Ziegfeld star, Dodo Delwyn (Red Skelton), is reduced to playing clowns in burlesque and amusement parks as a result of his drinking. His son Little Dink (Tim Considine) idolizes Dodo and faithfully believes in a comeback. He persuades "Uncle" Goldie (Loring Smith), Dodo s agent in the good old days, to find a booking for Dodo. He can t, and Dink is sent to live with his remarried-and-wealthy mother, Paula (Jane Greer). The unhappy Dink runs back to his father. His welcome return gives Dodo the courage needed to try a knockabout TV show offered by Goldie.