Small town America, 1945. The boys are coming home, as is Clarence Laidlaw who served overseas in lieu of serving time in prison. Chaos and confusion greet Clarence upon his return - his pre-war moonshine activities and absence have embittered his teenage son, split apart his family, and alienated the small town. Moreover, his conniving sister-in-law conspires with the crooked sheriff to prevent a family reconciliation. In attempting to stabilize his family, and in seeking to punish the conspirator who brought him before the law, Clarence almost destroys both the town and his family. But sanity, love and music conquer all, and family and town are reunited.

Bob McGraw is in his 12th year of college, goofing his way through life. Bob, Irwing, Gonzer and Max are the four losers forced and bribed to represent their university in an intercollegiate raft race. Forced and bribed into this role, they make some friends, the lovely Heather Merriweather, but mostly enemies, among others a whole team of marines, and preppy IVY-leaguers determined to win.