Professional swindler Major Burdle abandons his old ways and devotes himself to his adopted son Daniel and a somewhat more honest line of work of running a traveling medicine show. Following a court order that forces Daniel to attend school, the Major reluctantly decides to enroll him at Plumfield, an institution run by Little Woman's grown-up Jo March and Professor Bhaer. While Daniel struggles with the disciplinary structure imposed upon him, the Professor is embroiled in a fight to keep his beloved school. If he is unable come up with $5000, he faces eviction once the lease is up. The Professor decides to give his life savings to the Major, who has misrepresented himself as an investment broker, a move which may jeopardize both the future of the school and Daniel's new life.

Charming sequel to Cukor's film "Little Women." Laughter and tears abound.