Sgt. Bernie, 'Whistling' Smith, pounds the beat in District One, the colourful east-side of Vancouver, where the streets are lined with greasy spoons, strip joints and flophouses. Friendly, outgoing Bernie is the neighbourhood friend, social worker and confidant, but nevertheless the tough cop, who operates with a kind of backhanded effectiveness. The film is a study of Whistling Smith and the people with whom he is in contact.