Plot

Actress Fay McMillan finds her child, Pauline, whom she deserted years ago, in an orphanage, but Monty, her financer, objects to her taking the girl back. In Paris, France, she becomes a sensation as "Laura Figlan." While intoxicated, however, she cancels her American engagement. Meanwhile, her daughter, having left the orphanage and "inherited" her mother's talent, tries to substitute for Laura and carries out the impersonation successfully. The mother, now a dope addict, hears of the imposture and comes to the theater and shoots Dan Frawley, leaving Pauline to take the blame. As Pauline is about to be sentenced, Laura discovers that she is aiding in the prosecution of her own child, and after writing a confession, she kills herself.—AFI

A young girl living in a New England town runs away from her husband and child to join a theatrical company. Several years later, she is now a leading woman on the stage. She returns to her hometown to find her daughter Pauline is in an orphanage. She plans to take the child, but is advised against doing so, as it would inconvenience her career. So the mother goes to Paris and London, changes her name to Laura Figlan, and becomes a great star and begins a relationship with Dan Frawley. After a series of scandals, Laura cancels a contract which would have had her appear on the New York stage. The manager of the show is in a frenzy because he has promised his customers Laura Figlan. Meanwhile, Pauline has become an actress, and is in love with her agent, Jimmie Dorn. While seeking employment among producers, she notices that she resembles Laura Figlan, not realizing the actress is her mother. Pauline impersonates her and gets the job in New York. On opening night, Pauline gives a bad performance out of fear of being found out. Laura, who is wasted from drugs and alcohol, shows up at the theater. She enters Pauline's dressing room, intending to punish the woman who has stolen her name and reputation. She hides in a closet, then shoots her own manager, who was responsible for her downfall. Pauline is accused of the murder. Only later does Laura discover that Pauline is her daughter. Laura leaves a confession and commits suicide by gas. Pauline is cleared of the crime, and marries Jimmie Dorn.