In this silent film, the worst actress in a theatrical company turns out to be their only hope of survival.

Jimmy Marsh, a bank teller, is in love with Phyllis, daughter of the bank president. Jesse Watson, vice president and cashier, who also seeks the hand of Phyllis, considers investing in a roadhouse owned by bootlegger Tod Powell. Seeing Jimmy intoxicated there, Watson gets Powell to forge Jimmy's name to a gambling note and later has him discharged. Jimmy falls in with a repertory company and, thanks to Violet--the utility woman and wardrobe mistress--is hired as a stagehand; then, coached by Violet, he becomes the understudy for the villain. When the show plays in his hometown, Violet dons male attire and plays the villain herself. Violet learns that Powell has threatened Watson with exposure; and through her scheming, Jimmy is cleared of the charge and is reunited with Phyllis.