In 1904, Doc Tilbee, medicine show huckster and champion tall-tale teller, gives a ride to a young boy escaped from an orphanage, where bad conditions (the result of political graft) are being investigated by new appointee Zerelda Wing, who doesn't know that her fiancée is one of the politicians responsible. Tad wants to stay with his new friend Doc, who is attracted to Zerelda, to the discomfiture of his old flame Clara...all amid nostalgic musical numbers.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Dan DaileyDoc Tilbee | Doc Tilbee |
 Diana LynnZerelda Wing | Zerelda Wing |
 Scatman CrothersEnoch Jones | Enoch Jones |
| CChet AllenTad Bayliss | Tad Bayliss |
 Hugh O'BrianChilton Corr | Chilton Corr |
 Carole MathewsClara Brink | Clara Brink |
 Rhys WilliamsPete McCoy | Pete McCoy |
 Thomas E. JacksonBilly Gray | Billy Gray |
 Russell SimpsonSheriff Evans | Sheriff Evans |
 George ChandlerDeputy Leach | Deputy Leach |
 Virginia BrissacMrs. Spooner | Mrs. Spooner |
 John MaxwellMr. Spooner | Mr. Spooner |
 Doris PackerMrs. Swaile | Mrs. Swaile |
 Edna HollandMiss Burghey | Miss Burghey |
| GGeorge SpauldingGovernor | Governor |