Danny receives a letter from his old and beloved friend and mentor, Otto Nielsen, telling him that his daughter, Shirley, is in New York, hoping to land a job at the Copa. Danny is dismayed when he meets Shirley, a brassy, gum chewing girl who can't sing. When a worried Otto shows up at the Copa, he doesn't recognize the beautiful and innocent daughter who left home three weeks earlier. After some attitude, wardrobe and vocal adjustments, Danny is captivated by Shirley and sees a bright future for her in show business.