These are the memoirs of Ellen Henshaw, who is enjoying retirement in the Provence, after a life of entertaining, in many ways. She recalls how it all started, when she began assisting her father, a vaudeville artist with higher aspirations but a drinking problem. She fell in for him playing the piano during silent movies. Then she joined him at a seaside resort, where he was part of a popular show. In the mean time, she is acquainted with the ways of the world. Then her father decides to stage a marathon music performance. And so one thing leads to an hilarious other in this charming but biting comedy set in the late twenties. The story of the trip to Italy of Ellen's son and daughter-in-law with her mother will have you in all kinds of tears.