Seven-year-old Johnny is thrilled at the prospect of a vacation at his grandmother's Georgian plantation, accompanied by his parents, John Sr. and Sally. However, his excitement quickly dissipates when he learns that this trip marks a separation from his father, as John Sr. is heading back to Atlanta to engage in his controversial role as an editor for the local newspaper. Instead, Johnny finds himself living at the plantation with his mother and grandmother, which leaves him feeling desolate and confused.
Filled with sorrow from this sudden change, Johnny sneaks away one night, embarking on a daring journey back to Atlanta with only a few belongings. As he quietly slips away from the plantation, he is captivated by the enchanting voice of Uncle Remus, the film's central character, recounting tales "in his old-timely way" about the clever Br'er Rabbit. Curious about the storytelling, Johnny hides behind a tree, attempting to stay unnoticed while listening to the group gathered around the fire.
Realizing that Johnny has gone missing, the plantation's residents send out a search party. They inquire if Uncle Remus has spotted the boy, and with his keen observational skills, he notices Johnny hiding and reassures the searchers that the boy is with him. Shortly after, he finds Johnny, who sits sobbing on a log, and kindly invites him to his cabin, providing comfort and some food for the journey ahead.
While preparing a meal, Uncle Remus revisits the tale of Br'er Rabbit, prompting Johnny to request further stories. Fascinated, Johnny listens to Uncle Remus narrate how Br'er Rabbit cleverly escapes a trap set by Br'er Fox by outsmarting the dim-witted Br'er Bear. Inspired by the tale, Johnny decides against leaving the plantation, allowing Uncle Remus to escort him back to his mother.
During his time spent at the plantation, Johnny forms a bond with Toby, a young African American boy living nearby, and Ginny Favers, a less fortunate white girl from the neighboring farm. Unfortunately, Ginny's older brothers, Joe and Jake - embodying the traits of Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear with their contrasting personalities - harass both Johnny and Ginny relentlessly. The situation takes a turn when Ginny gifts Johnny a puppy, only for her brothers to threaten to drown the innocent creature. Tensions rise among the boys as they navigate their challenges, with Johnny heartbroken because his mother won’t allow him to keep the puppy.
Turning to Uncle Remus for help, Johnny shares his concerns about the dog. In return, Uncle Remus shares another fable about Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby, imparting wisdom about avoiding troubles and the perils of meddling in affairs that do not concern them. He even encourages Johnny to use reverse psychology on the Favers Brothers regarding the dog. In a twist of fate, when the brothers do disclose the news to their mother, they face consequences of their own.
As Johnny's birthday approaches, the anticipation of celebration fills the air. He excitedly takes Ginny to the party, where her mother has sewn her a lovely dress from wedding material. Yet, trouble brews as Joe and Jake instigate a fight, leading to Ginny's pristine dress being ruined. Devastated, she declines to attend the party, prompting Johnny to stand up to her brothers. Uncle Remus intervenes and chastises the bullies, urging them to cease their harassment.
Feeling disheartened, Johnny doesn’t wish to go to his own celebration, especially in the absence of John Sr. Just as Uncle Remus discovers the forlorn duo, he enchants them with a tale of Br'er Rabbit and his delightful "Laughing Place." Upon their return to the plantation, Sally catches sight of them and issues a reprimand, chastising Uncle Remus for storytelling.
In a move of compassion, Uncle Remus packs his belongings to leave for Atlanta, misunderstanding Sally's intentions. Observing the sorrowful separation from afar, Johnny rushes to his side but tragically suffers an accidental goring from a bull in the chaos. As Johnny teeters on the brink between life and death, John Sr. reconciles with Sally. Amidst the turmoil, Johnny cries out for Uncle Remus, who has miraculously returned to the scene. As Uncle Remus recounts another fable, he rekindles the child's strength, helping him fight for his life.
In a twist of joy, we see the trio of Johnny, Ginny, and Toby joyfully skipping along, singing "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" as Johnny reunites with his puppy. Uncle Remus stands nearby, astonished to see Br'er Rabbit and other beloved characters from his stories miraculously come to life, interacting with the delighted children and the puppy. In a heartwarming conclusion, Uncle Remus breaks the fourth wall and joins the celebrations, as the group skips away together, echoing the joyous theme that began the tale.
