Nine-year-old streetwalker Emily lives with her widowed mother in 19th century New York. Her life changes abruptly when she learns that she has been appointed sole heiress by an aging, wealthy Austrian countess. It is not only an heiress who causes turbulence, but also the countess's attempt to raise Emily as a member of the aristocracy.

Construction worker, Chuck Hassan, has a heart attack and is no longer able to work and support his family. After losing their home and savings, his wife, Concetta, looks for work and decides to join the Army, to take advantage of the security and benefits. She advances quickly and eventually becomes a helicopter pilot.