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Theatrical producer Stephen Norman is in love with his leading lady, Stella Parish, an American actress who has risen to stardom in England.  Although she admires him, she refuses to marry him and conceals from him the fact that she is already married and has a six-year-old daughter Gloria, who lives in the country with Nana, Stella's companion.  When Clifton Jeffords, Stella's husband and Gloria's father, tries to blackmail Stella, she decides to leave for America with Nana and Gloria.

Stephen's friend, journalist Keith Lockridge, follows Stella, now disguised as an old lady, on board ship.  Penetrating Stella's disguise, Keith befriends her and discovers her secret, that Gloria was born in prison where Stella was innocently being held for a murder her husband committed.  After she was pardoned, she changed her name and moved to England, where Stephen made her a success.

After Keith writes the story, he realizes that Stella was innocent and tries unsuccessfully to stop the paper from printing it.  Knowing that the notoriety will ruin their lives and her career, Stella sends Gloria and Nana back to England.  Meanwhile, Stella exploits the scandal for money.  Eventually, she is reduced to appearing in a burlesque theater.

In London, Keith begs Stephen to put Stella back on the legitimate stage.  Stephen reluctantly agrees, but Stella's confidence has been destroyed.  Opening night, when Stella learns that Gloria is in the audience and that Keith is responsible for her comeback, she realizes that she loves him and her dignity is restored.