Eight-year-old introvert Ryan Cassidy is told by his father that he'll be spending the afternoon at the house of a famous actor, who turns out to be James Cagney from Hollywood's golden age. Despite expecting a typical tough character, Ryan finds Cagney to be gentle and imaginative, resembling Santa Claus more than a gangster. During their time together, away from the pressures of his strict father, the child relaxes and is enchanted by Cagney's encouragement to explore imagination. Afterwords, he feels transformed, gaining confidence and readiness for future adventures.