Lora Meredith, a white widow that dreams to be on Broadway, has a chance encounter with Annie Johnson, a black mother. While her stage career is pursued by Lora annie becomes the caretaker of Lora's daughter, Susie. Both women deal with the issues of jealousy: Lora's thirst for fame threatens her partnership with Susie, while Annie daughter, Sarah Jane, struggles with her African-American identity.