When a young orphan who works as a teacher in an orphanage falls in love with the marine officer Adel, her uptight manager fires her. Forced to work in a disreputable hotel, she is assaulted then arrested on prostitution charges.
In 1834, Charles Stewart (Alan Ladd), the spoiled, dissolute son of a shipping magnate, is shanghaied aboard the Pilgrim, one of his father's own ships.
Madrid, late 19th century. A wealthy woman is found murdered in her home and her maid seems to be the main suspect; but her statement further entangles the case.
Childhood sweethearts from opposing social standings are separated when one's family moves elsewhere, leaving behind only a watch as a token of their friendship.
A tale of an international counterfeiting-ring operating in Mexico starts with Patrick Nevil viewed as a suspicious character by newspaper woman Agnes Stuart, who is working on a story to expose racketeering night-club owner Doc Lilley.