Based on the famous 19th-century novel, this is the tale of Nello (David Ladd), a Flemish boy who dreams of becoming an artist. Nello is being raised by his grandfather, Jehan Daas (Donald Crisp), and the impoverished pair support themselves by delivering milk from a cart with the aid of their dog, Patrasche. When Daas dies, Nello is evicted and alone until he meets painter Piet van Gelder (Theodore Bikel), who takes the boy in and encourages his artistic talents.