After losing her father, Shirley and her mother live with the wealthy, snobby family that employs her mother. Although the circumstances are not the best, Shirley has the support of the aviator friends of her late father who dote on her, recognizing her biggest dream to fly someday. When her mother is hit by a car, and left entirely orphaned, she is stuck living with the snobby family, and their cruel little girl, the only kindness she is shown in the home is from the beautiful niece, and surprisingly the cruel Uncle Ned. When one of the aviators whom is also Shirley's godfather seeks to adopt her, a custody battle takes place between the wealthy uncle, his niece, and the aviator with Shirley left in the middle