Summary
From the intricate mind of mining engineer Paul Grayson emerges a dramatic masterpiece, a play of profound depth and compelling narrative. This artistic creation, a testament to his burgeoning talent, finds its way into the hands of McKay Hedden, a theatrical impresario whose reputation for shrewdness often teeters on the precipice of unscrupulousness. Hedden, recognizing the play's undeniable brilliance, succumbs to a base impulse: outright theft. He meticulously duplicates Grayson's work, then dismisses the original with a curt, disingenuous note declaring it devoid of merit, a calculated maneuver to seize intellectual property without consequence. Meanwhile, the picturesque Hanleytown Harbor, nestled on the rugged New England coast, serves as the unwitting backdrop for Hedden’s next move. There, he encounters Silver Sands, a young woman whose natural grace and untamed spirit, inherited from her venerable sea captain father, immediately captivate him. He envisions her as the perfect embodiment of his stolen play's leading lady, a fresh face untainted by Broadway's cynicism. Coincidentally, Grayson himself, seeking respite or perhaps inspiration, also gravitates to the same idyllic harbor, where fate intertwines his path with Silver's, sparking an immediate and profound connection. As Hedden initiates rehearsals in the bustling heart of New York, molding Silver into the star of *his* (stolen) production, the threads of deceit begin to unravel. A discerning drama critic, a friend to Grayson, uncovers Hedden's audacious treachery and swiftly alerts the true author. Propelled by a blend of artistic indignation and nascent love, Grayson descends upon New York, confronting Hedden not only over the stolen manuscript but also to shield Silver from the producer's predatory advances. Cornered, Hedden is forced to concede Grayson’s rightful authorship. Ultimately, justice prevails, and the play, now rightfully attributed, achieves resounding critical and popular acclaim, propelled to success by Silver Sands' luminous performance, a testament to her inherent talent and the enduring power of truth.
Synopsis
Mining engineer Paul Grayson writes a play that is sent to theatrical producer McKay Hedden, who decides that it is so good it is worth stealing. Hedden makes a copy and then returns the original with a note that it is worthless. At Hanleytown Harbor on the New England coast, Hedden meets Silver Sands, the daughter of an old sea captain, and decides to star her in the play. Paul also visits the harbor and falls in love with Silver. Hedden begins rehearsals with Silver in New York, then a drama critic notifies his friend Paul of the treachery. Paul arrives in New York and rescues Silver from Hedden's advances. Hedden acknowledges Paul as author of the play which is a success with Silver in the leading role.
