Aladdin is a young boy who lives with his mother in poverty in a town in China. His father had recently died, after unsuccessfully trying to persuade his son to become an apprentice and learn the trade. However, Aladdin prefers to go out and play with the other boys in the street. One day, Aladdin is approached by a magician claiming to be his uncle. He convinces Aladdin to work for him, telling Aladdin that if he does as he says, the boy will grow up to be rich. Aladdin's mother, who has never met the wizard, is initially suspicious of his claim to be a long-lost relative but becomes convinced the man is real.
