A chronicle of the rescue of oppressed intellectuals and artists from Europe before the outbreak of World War II. It studies the cultural and intellectual impact of this emigre population on American life.

Clarissa spins the tale for her children of how when she was a young girl, she was the belle of the small town of Cherry Pit Siding. Winning the title of “the most popular young lady” at the annual fireman’s ball she is awarded the prize of a beautiful calf. Loved by artist Josh Jiggers she poses for a painting to be known as "Clarissa's Charming Calf." Unfortunately for the lovers New York variety manager Omar Commerstein espies the portrait and yearns to make Clarissa a roof-garden attraction. When she spurns him, he takes desperate measures to ensnare her but thanks to the efforts of Josh and the firemen the villainous manager and his confederates are soon thwarted. Reunited Clarissa and Josh marry.