Seven-year-old Cedric lives with his widowed mother in New York under poor conditions when the boy's life suddenly changes: He is to become a lord! His grandfather, the grumpy Earl of Dorincourt, wants to bring his only grandson to England and raise him as his rightful heir. Thus, the small family sets off for the Old World. This enchanting story continues to captivate millions to this day. The film adaptation featuring Sir Alec Guinness as the headstrong aristocrat has also contributed significantly to the novel's fame.