stella maris (mary pickford) was born paralyzed and is unable to walk. her wealthy guardians try to prevent her from being exposed to all the bad that is happening in the world. she is not allowed to leave her room in a london mansion and is bound to her bed. her door even has a sign on it which says: "all unhappiness and world wisdom leave outside. those without smiles need not enter." stella has no idea a war is going on in the world and that there are poor and hungry people.