The story begins in 1917 with Stan and Ollie being drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in World War I. While in the Army, the pair befriend a man named Eddie Smith, who is killed by the enemy during a battle. After the war is over, Stan and Ollie venture to New York City, where they begin a quest to reunite Eddie's little daughter with her rightful family. The task proves both monumental and problematic as the boys discover just how many people in New York have the last name Smith.

A fast-talking reporter befriends a young woman and her male companion who are wanted for a policeman's shooting.

Longtime friends become feuding mothers-in-law when their children marry.

Stymie takes Dickie for a ride in his runaway car and cures his stiff neck.

Margot Rande, a basically decent woman, is led down the path to perdition by her bank robber husband.

Dickie throws a birthday party to try to raise money to buy his mother a birthday present.