During America’s Civil War, Union spies steal engineer Johnny Gray's beloved locomotive, 'The General'—with Johnnie's lady love aboard an attached boxcar—and he single-handedly must do all in his power to both get The General back and to rescue Annabelle.

Tommy and Daphne Carter, a young married couple, following the advice of a pretentious friend, decide to impress their friends by appearing to be prosperous. Their efforts end in disillusionment when Tommy loses his job and their furniture is collected for nonpayments. However, by feasting a millionaire with a borrowed dinner and accommodating him for the night in a borrowed bed, they gain his sympathy; and he offers the young husband a substantial position.