Desperate for work, Johnny Barclay leaves Ma and Grandpop to join the newly formed Civilian Conversation Corps. On the way he meets cynical young hobo Roscoe "Rockie" Johnson, and, although Rockie believes that hopping freight trains is a great life, Johnny convinces him to join the Corps.

Shirley acts as a rich "gold digger" trying to elect a cowboy politician to the office.

Shirley is an aspiring actress is rejected by casting, but gets her chance to perform when the star doesn't feel like performing.