El despótico alcalde de un pequeño pueblo británico maltrata a una pobre vendedora ambulante, cuya perrita le ha sido confiscada por no haber pagado las tasas municipales. Un periodista que presencia la escena y la publica en su periódico será llamado a declarar en el juicio como testigo.
In mid-nineteenth century England the medical establishment does not recognize the value of skilled nurses, cleanliness, nutrition and kindness. Florence Nightingale's heroic measures slowly changes all of this.
After the woman who raised him claims he's not her son, Richard searches for clues about his identity. Urged on by his mentor, Capt. Randolph Courtney, Richard focuses on Julia Trent Anders, a middle-aged actress who just might be his real mother. But soon, Richard begins to fall for Julia's stepdaughter. Amidst the upheaval, Richard schemes to return Julia to the stage -- but he's in for another big surprise.