Jim Rose, an alcoholic who falls into a life of crime and participates in a robbery, serves a prison sentence. Upon his release, he returns to his hometown determined to become an honest man and change his ways. A cynical detective, who doesn't believe in the reformation of criminals, attempts to sabotage Jim's efforts to find work and live a clean life. However, another detective named Tom Bailey, who is in love with Jim's sister Mamie, believes in Jim's change of heart and helps him secure his job back.