To the distress of his family, Clem Hawley, retired from his garage business, spends his time and money in the company of Al, the local bootlegger.

True Blue begins with the marriage of black-sheep British nobleman Gilbert Brockhurst to the daughter of a Western rancher. When he learns that he has inherited his father's title and estate, Brockhurst deserts his wife and young son Bob. Upon attaining adulthood, Bob becomes the boss of his grandfather's ranch.

Burkhart, a prominent business man, owner of a leading mercantile establishment, and the popular candidate for governor on the Citizens' ticket, becomes impressed with the ability of James McNair, a young attorney, and engages him to look after his legal business.

Billy Garfield is a bright, young railroad engineer. He runs passenger train No. 6, and next to his locomotive, he loves Marie Shaw. They are engaged and their wedding day is set, but Jack Blake, Billy's fireman on the run, and a former suitor for Marie's hand, is jealous and plots to "fix" Billy.

Silas Brown, a close-fisted country hotel-keeper in Hicksville, has a pretty daughter, Betty, who has a devoted suitor in Otis Perkins, a typical country town boy. The curiosity of Betty is excited by a package marked for Francis King, "to be called for." For three weeks the package remains without a claimant.

Jim Carson, a young farmer, loves the school teacher, Helen Dale, and they expect to be married. His father unexpectedly marries a widow who has a son, Arthur Vaughn, an actor. Arthur creates havoc with Helen's heart and the plans of Jim are disarranged.

Dorinda, a mountain girl, left alone by the death of her parents, is adopted by distant relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Greer. Mrs. Greer is not overjoyed by this addition to their family, because all her mother-love and affection is given to their only son, Harvey, just finishing a term at college.

Billy Garrison, a successful young jockey, rides the favorite "Sis" in the Louisville Derby. He does not ride with his customary vigor and dash. He feels "doped" and entirely out of condition and as a consequence "Sis," instead of winning the race, trails in last under the wire. At the stables he is accused of throwing the race, but denies it.

Professor Duane, an ethnologist, and his assistant, Roscoe Harding, plan a journey into the wilds of Hindustan. Harding is in love with Lydia, the daughter of Professor Duane, and they are engaged to be married. Lieutenant Tavish, a British army officer, is attracted to Lydia and plans to take her away from Harding by fair means or foul.

Ezra Hickman, of Kankakee, is a political aspirant. At a reception in Washington with his wife and daughter Amy he meets the Ambassador of Selim Bey, the ruler of a small European kingdom, Vergania. The Ambassador, seeking an American girl for his ruler, paints a glowing picture of Vergania to Hickman's wife, with the result that she persuades her husband to accept the American Consulate at. Vergania. Amy, the daughter, is enamored of Lieutenant Brice of the U.S. Navy, and reluctantly she agrees to leave him and go with her family.