The film depicts his early days in Nev York, then traces his long trek to California, riding the freight trains, penniless and despised for his poverty Later, he becomes involved with the Industrial Workers of the World (the Wobblies), trying to organise labour in the face of savage police reprisal Forbidden to make speeches in the streets, he finds temporary immunity by singing his protest against labour indignity. His fame travels far, and he moves to Utah to work with the Wobblies in Salt Lake City. He is accused (framed?) of murdering a grocer; pleads not guilty, and is convicted on circumstantial evidence.