At the height of the Depression, a government Department of Amusement is created, and Broadway producer Lawrence Cromwell (Warner Baxter) is appointed as its head. Taxed with raising the spirits of the American public, Lawrence creates various entertainment departments, including a children's division run by eager Mary Adams (Madge Evans). Soon, Lawrence is besieged by reporters, congressmen and investigators, in addition to unscrupulous businessmen who are intent on making the Depression last.