W.C. Fields battles creditors, widows and obnoxious children in the comedy classic The Old Fashioned Way. Staying one step ahead of the law, The Great McGonigle (Fields) and his impoverished theatrical troupe arrive in a small town to perform The Drunkard, a Victorian temperance play. Discovering they have only sold a handful of tickets, McGonigle promises a part to the wealthy mother of an annoying toddler (Baby LeRoy) with her appearance guaranteeing a sell-out. Staving off the local sheriff who intends to collect the receipts, McGonigle gives a performance the town will never forget in an uproarious farce featuring Fields legendary juggling act!