Rose Lane has scored a success in college theatricals and won the congratulations of the school. John Herriman, a New York star, a quiet, honorable man in the early thirties, has seen her and tells her the portrayal was excellent. Hardly had she received such congratulation when a telegram came from her mother notifying her of the death of her father, and asking that she hurry home. At home she finds the mother in dire straits, being forced to take in sewing to live. Rose abandons her hope of stage success and sets out to find a position. She gets work as a typist in the office of Samuel Jermaine, theatrical manager. Inadvertently she meets Herriman, who is to play the lead in Jermaine's new venture. He recalls her ambition and arranges for her to receive a small part. The enthusiastic girl, having copied the play, knows every line of it. The leading lady is infatuated with Herriman, but he ignores her. To further complicate matters the rough director makes advances to Rose and is likewise spurned. Jealous of the star's interest in the girl, the leading lady attempts to injure her. Failing, she refuses to go on the opening night. Rose timidly requests the chance to play the part, and Jermaine, desperate, consents. She meets with a wonderful success, for the love scene in the play with John Herriman is far more real than the "first-nighters" suspect.