Joan Thursday leaves home because of her father's opposition to her becoming an actress and later marries playwright John Masters, who also disapproves of Joan's pursuing a career outside of home. When John is called to California to supervise rehearsals of his new play, Joan cannot resist the temptation of the stage and accepts backer Vincent Marbridge's offer to star in a new production. Joan is a success, but John's play fails, and he angrily leaves her when he learns of her acting endeavor. John refuses producer Sam Goldman's offer to produce his play with Joan as star, Joan finds Marbridge's attentions increasingly difficult to avoid, and she attempts to jump out of a window. Finally, realizing the truth of her mother's dying admonition--never sacrifice love for a stage career--Joan returns to John.