Dorian "Dolly" Dingle has been footloose and flighty for long enough. At last, she's resolved to focus on her showbiz career and move out of the Magdalena Arms. Then landlady Mrs. DeWitt breaks her hip, and Dolly reluctantly agrees to fill in as temporary housemother. While she grapples with home repairs and holiday preparations, Dolly tends to the needs of her diverse tenants, including: Jackie (the aspiring actress), Kay (Dolly's old friend), Arlene (buxom theater designer), Ramona (former bad girl). When the high-spirited residents learn of a scheme to shut down their beloved rooming house, they rally together to raise funds.