Apple Annie, an aging and poor street vendor in New York, maintains a facade of wealth through letters she writes to her daughter, Louise, who was raised in a Spanish convent. Louise believes her mother is an affluent society matron. When Louise announces she is coming to America with her wealthy fiancé and his aristocratic father, Annie is thrown into a panic. She feels the need to keep up the charade of being a woman of high social standing to avoid humiliating her daughter and potentially ruining her romantic prospects.

A local gangster named Dave the Dude helps Annie by transforming her into a dignified lady with the assistance of his girlfriend, Missouri Martin, and various associates. They provide Annie with glamorous clothes, a luxurious apartment, and proper etiquette lessons. Dave also arranges for respected members of the society to pose as Annie’s elite friends. This dramatic makeover leads to a series of comical and touching situations as everyone races against time to uphold the illusion for Louise and her guests.