The movie is based on the life story of legendary George M. Cohan. As the film begins, critics are exiting Cohan's new feature I'd Rather Be Right. They discuss the production and their feelings that, although it was good, their editors will not like it.

We then move to the after-party featuring Cohan, his wife, and their many friends. One of his employees shows him a letter from the President of the United States. Cohan's new feature has mocked the President, and he is being asked to visit on a personal matter; he is a bit concerned.

Cohan walks right up to the gates of the White House to meet the President. As one of the servants leads him up to the Oval Office, he tells Cohan how he saw him over thirty years ago in one of his first productions. The President and...