In a small Texas town during the early 1900s, Jack Griffith, a lovable but unreliable family man, constantly embarrasses his wife and two daughters due to his whimsical personality and frequent binges. Jack's charm and kind-hearted nature win him friends everywhere, but his antics often cause domestic strains. His indulgence in drinking leads him into buying things on a whim, such as a circus elephant, which exacerbates tensions with his no-nonsense wife, Ambolyn. Despite Jack's erratic behavior, he tries his best to be a good husband and father, creating a tug-of-war between his whimsical tendencies and the responsibilities of head of the household.

Ambolyn, growing frustrated with Jack's inability to curb his impulsive actions and fearing for the family's well-being, insists on more responsible behavior. The turning point comes when Ambolyn takes their children and leaves him, prompting Jack to reflect on his behavior. Determined to bring his family back together, Jack sets out to prove that he can be the dependable man they need, leading to a series of heartfelt attempts to win back their trust and restore harmony in the family home. As Jack confronts his vices and reckons with his values, his journey underscores themes of redemption, familial love, and personal growth.