In 1910, Arnie Cole struggles to make ends meet whilst operating a travelling fleapit cinema business. Realising there is more to be made in the burgeoning film industry, he sets up his own company. Things go off to a inauspicious start when his part-time squeeze Letty is arrested when they try to illegally film a horse race. Desperate, he gets an intriguing offer from Lady Maud, who has her own reasons for seeking a partnership, that latterly become apparent.