Young Charlie Chaplin

Charlie and Syd are exposed to the backstage life of the music halls as they watch the performances of their father, Charles, Sr., whilst their mother tolerates his philandering and drinking. Charles, Sr. abandons them, so they try to make their way by treading the boards themselves.

As Charles, Sr. continues to dawdle through life, life is a daily struggle for the rest of the Chaplins, resulting in the workhouse.

With their mother in a workhouse, and as their father continues to dawdle through life, Charlie and Syd face a new life at a School for Orphans and Destitute Children. When Syd volunteers for the Navy, Charlie finds himself on his own.

Charlie discovers his innate ability as an actor, and convinces his father to reunite with his mother. Then, when life challenges the Chaplins once again, Syd returns.

Charlie and Syd must figure out a way to bring stability to their family. When they outshine Harry Weldon on stage, Weldon gives impresario Fred Karno an ultimatum - either Charlie is fired, or he will quit.

Not wanting to lose Weldon, Fred Karno gives Charlie and Syd two weeks to come up with a new act. With their mother now in a mental asylum, they develop a new act, and Charlie finds inspiration for the genesis of The Tramp. They fight for their place on The American Tour, but only Charlie is listed. But it appears Syd is thinking ahead.