Young gorilla Claud is smuggled into the country by Dead-Eye, a callous ringmaster, to entertain his audience as a fearsome animal who will bring him fame and fortune. But beneath, a sad and lonely animal looks out, dreaming wistfully of the wilds of Africa where he once lived.
To the ringmaster's fury, Claud does his best to make friends with all the other animals, who do their best to avoid him. His only friend is a young man, Ginger, who comes to his rescue every morning with scraps of food. In a happy accident, Claud gains the ability to speak, and Ginger, who is fond of him and doesn't want him to be further exploited, persuades Claud to join him in escaping the circus and seeking their fortunes elsewhere.
When Dead-Eye discovers they're missing, he is incensed at the fortune he has lost and sends his henchman, known as the Corporal, to follow them and bring them back at all costs.
Can the duo thwart the greed of Dead-Eye and his henchman, and will Claud and Ginger find happiness?