[2] As described in a film magazine,[3] Penelope Penn (Binney), to financially aid others of the poor minister's family to which she belongs, goes to New York City and becomes one of the boardinghouse colony at "39 East."

The identity of her business she keeps a mystery, thereby arousing the unsympathetic speculations of her fellow female boarders.

She finds a champion and lover in Napoleon Gibbs Jr. (Denny), a young wealthy aristocrat, who helps her over many a rough spot during her boardinghouse life.

Her chance to shine histrionically comes when there is a sudden refusal of the theater star, to whom she understudies, to go on while she is in the chorus.

Penelope's success assures her family's future and brings the climax of her romance, which promises a "happy ever after" ending.