M'liss, raised in the mountains as an unruly tomboy, is orphaned and is offered "protection" by Calaveras John and Johnny Cake, friends of her father's murderer. She shows no interest in anything until the new schoolmaster persuades her to tidy herself and get some education. Believing the schoolmaster to be in love with some other girl, M'liss decides to run off with another man.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Gladys WaltonM'liss | M'liss |
 Marc Robbins'Bummer' Smith | 'Bummer' Smith |
 Vernon SteeleThe Schoolmaster | The Schoolmaster |
 Joseph J. DowlingCalaveras John | Calaveras John |
 William BurressJohnny Cake | Johnny Cake |
 Al HartPreacher | Preacher |
 Nelson McDowellDeacon McSnagley | Deacon McSnagley |
 Lloyd WhitlockJack Velvet | Jack Velvet |
 Lucille RicksenClytie | Clytie |