Bill Sackter struggles to cope after his best friend and guardian, Barry Morrow and his wife Beverly move away. Bill moves into a group home run by Mae Driscoll who teaches him how to read. Bill soon discovers his religious heritage, overcoming the fire that accidentally destroyed his small canteen business, and then travels to California to search for the Morrows.
Mickey Rooney
as Bill Sackter
Helen Hunt
as Jenny Wells
Edie McClurg
as Angela
Tracey Walter
as Kenny
Teresa Wright
as Mae Driscoll
Paul Lieber
as Jeff Portman
Harry Goz
as Tom Walz
Largo Woodruff
as Beverly Morrow
Dennis Quaid
as Barry Morrow
Marianna Clore Blase
as Mrs. Noble
