Amid a family life on the verge of ruin, yet one alive with the spirit of performance, a mischievous, resourceful Charlie, and his brother Sydney, grapple with keeping the few threads that hold the quilt of their family's spirit together.

Charlie, Syd, and their mother discover that being out on their own is tougher than expected. With their father, Charles Sr., content with becoming unburdened by the responsibilities of family, the three possibly face further separation.

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.

After Charles Sr. helps discharge Charlie from the School for Orphans, 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.

As Charlie energetically continues his acting career, he and Syd must figure out a way to bring stability to their family. Syd's new job gets them started on the right foot, but to stay afloat, Syd and Charlie will need to work together.

When Charlie and Syd 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, Karno gives Charlie and Syd two weeks to come up with a new act.