Ellen McHugh, a poor Irish immigrant to America, finds work in a carnival and is thus able to send her son Brian to a fine school. But when her position is found out, the school expels Brian. Mrs. McHugh feels compelled to allow the school principal and his wife to adopt Brian. The widow McHugh becomes a housekeeper and raises her employer's daughter Edith, who grows up to fall in love with Brian McHugh.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Belle BennettMother Machree | Mother Machree |
 Victor McLaglenThe Giant of Kilkenny | The Giant of Kilkenny |
 Philippe De LacyBrian - Child | Brian - Child |
 Ted McNamaraThe Harper of Wexford | The Harper of Wexford |
 Billy PlattThe Dwarf of Munster | The Dwarf of Munster |
 Eulalie JensenMiss Van Studdiford | Miss Van Studdiford |
 Constance HowardMrs. Cutting | Mrs. Cutting |
 Pat SomersetBobby De Puyster | Bobby De Puyster |
 Neil HamiltonBrian | Brian |
 Aggie HerringSideshow Woman Asking About Legs (uncredited) | Sideshow Woman Asking About Legs (uncredited) |
 John WayneNot listed | Not listed |