Julie is a textile worker. She lives in the mill dormitory where her boss Mr. Bascombe runs a strict operation. The women must behave themselves in public and adhere to a curfew. Billy gets canned from the carnival for flirting with Julie. Julie gets fired from the mill for breaking curfew with Billy.
Times are tough.
The newlyweds live with a cousin. Billy's only skill is enticing crowds at the carnival. He's out of work with no prospects. He runs with a seedy crowd. One night, he hits Julie.