Tommy Hopkins' early years aren't very promising. Born at the end of the 19th century in a slum district of Manchester he's blessed with a loving mam and dad but they don't have two ha'pennies to rub together. But Tommy is a survivor. At school he quickly makes lots of friends and together they plot money-making schemes and play football. Then it's time to leave the playground behind. Denied the chance of a career Tommy instead finds employment at Manchester's Smithfield market and works his way up finally becoming a porter. He's becoming a man and amongst the young women who catch his eye is Kate Lally who may just be the love of his life…