Big City 1948

Discovery and acceptance of Midge

An abandoned baby girl is found in New York City by a cantor and a minister. They, along with a police officer, decide to take the infant in and name her Midge. The three unmarried men begin to consider how to provide care and custody for the child.

Seeking legal custody in court

The trio files for legal custody of Midge and prepares to present their case. They go to the courtroom of Judge Martin O. Abercrombie to explain their plan to raise her together. The judge contemplates the best path for Midge's future and what conditions might apply.

The guardian condition is set

Judge Abercrombie introduces a surprising condition: the first man to marry will become the sole legal guardian of Midge. The men grapple with how this would affect their ability to provide a stable upbringing. They must decide whether to pursue marriage or a different joint arrangement.

Midge faces schoolyard teasing

As Midge grows, she endures teasing at school about her unusual family. Some peers and even teachers worry about the absence of a mother in her life. The situation pressures the trio to demonstrate their commitment and capability as caretakers.

Florence Barrett questions the arrangement

Florence Barrett, Midge's teacher, expresses disapproval of the lack of a mother in Midge's upbringing. Her concern highlights social doubts about the trio's guardianship. The men attempt to reassure her while reaffirming their intentions to provide a loving home.

A conciliatory home visit

To ease Florence's concerns, the three men invite her to an evening at their home. They present their family as loving and stable, showing how Midge flourishes in their care. Florence observes their dynamics and begins to consider the situation differently.

Midge grows happier in the blended family

After the evening, Midge appears happier with the three fathers and their shared responsibilities. The men reaffirm their commitment to co-parenting and to providing a stable environment. Florence's view shifts as she witnesses the family's devotion.

David falls for Florence

David Feldman finds himself falling in love with Florence Barrett and hopes to propose marriage. This personal development adds complexity to the guardianship plan, though his priority remains Midge's welfare. The evolving romance tests how the trio will navigate their unconventional family.

Pat's elopement with Shoo Shoo Grady

Pat O'Donnell elopes with the extroverted singer Shoo Shoo Grady. The elopement challenges the stability of the agreed arrangement and raises questions about who will continue to share parenting duties. The incident accelerates the need for a clear resolution.

The judge reconsiders the condition

Judge Abercrombie weighs everyone’s concerns, including David's feelings for Florence and Pat's new marriage status. He ultimately withdraws the marriage condition, opening the door to a broader form of guardianship. The court supports a plan where all three men share parental responsibilities.

Formalizing the shared custody

With the condition removed, the men formalize a plan to share custody and raise Midge together. They establish roles within the family and commit to equal involvement in daily life, education, and care. The legal decision solidifies their unconventional but stable family unit.