In 1939 Montreal, schoolboy Tim discovers he has magical powers, while a demon and a strange old man give conflicting advice on using them. Tim shows foreign photographers around the city, but soon suspects them of a terrorist plot against the visiting king and queen. He puts his powers to use and risks everything in an attempt to foil the plot and enable the police to stop the terrorists. The grand old City of Montreal, its flamboyant Mayor Camillien Houde, King George VI, Cardinal Villeneuve, the Montreal Tramways Company, and the old Selwyn House School each plays a role in the story.