Outraged by a series of attacks on single women, the townspeople of Northbridge suspect that the culprit is an American airman from the nearby base. Attempting to create good will, Sgt. Jimmy Bradford invites the Northbridge schoolchildren to the Christmas pantomime, Mother Goose , at the local theater, but his invitation is declined by the school board. As a courtesy, teacher Ann Loring accepts the flier's invitation to an airbase dance. When his bus breaks down, however, she goes on without him. At Mrs. Lloyd's café Bradford expels an unruly customer. In gratitude the proprietress accompanies him to the dance. While returning alone she is murdered by the ejected customer. To divert Tommy Lloyd from the search for his mother, Ann takes the boy to the pantomine, where he recognizes his mother's customer in the person of Mother Goose. Unmasked, female impersonator Walker flees, proving his guilt and exonerating the flier. No longer under suspicion, Bradford is free to declare his love for Ann.
