Pixie is out of tune. Previously she was cantor in the school choir but before the big district gala singing competition, Miss Orrick gives the position to Molly. After ruining her good dress, Molly borrows (without permission) one of Aunt Vera's blouses and a pearl necklace so she will have something to wear to the competition. Molly loses the necklace when the bus driving the choir to the competition is forced to stop for repairs. Pixie quickly scoops up the pearls but doesn't say anything until after a tearful Molly returns home after scouring the dusty country road.

After listening to Marguerite and Esmerelda rave on about the famous heartthrob, Molly and Pixie decide to skip school with their freinds to attend a matinee of the latest Rudolph Valentino film but they are spotted by Aunt Vera and Jacques, along with Jimmy and some of their classmates. Fortunately, everyone has reasons for wanting their presence at the theatre kept secret. Meanwhile, Pixie attempts to hide an injured possum in her bedroom.