During the Great Depression, 12-year old Aaron Kurlander’s
brother is sent away to save money, his consumptive mother is
hospitalized, and his father takes a job as a travelling salesman,
leaving Aaron to fend for himself in the midst of poverty and
loneliness.
Developing his resourcefulness and a talent for lying, Aaron
becomes familiar with the eccentric employees and tenants of the
Empire Hotel, where he lives. These include an epileptic girl with a
huge crush on Aaron, an elevator operator, a bellboy, a rich
alcoholic neighbor, and a sarcastic prostitute. With all these
influences around him, Aaron struggles to survive, as he fights
starvation and faces risky situations.
Katherine has a minor role as Christina Sebastian, a rich child who
becomes acquainted with Aaron.
