The story is built on a melodramatic but highly engaging premise: two young women, identical in appearance but opposite in circumstance, fall in love with the same man. Molly Helmer (Norma Shearer): The "Lady of the Night." Molly is the daughter of a convicted thief and graduates from a reform school. She lives on the rougher side of town, earning a living as a taxi dancer (a girl who is paid to dance with male patrons) and is involved with a petty crook named "Chunky" Dunn (George K. Arthur). Despite her outward toughness and "loud" appearance, she possesses a loyal and generous heart. Florence Banning (Norma Shearer): The Socialite. Florence is the refined, innocent daughter of the very judge who sentenced Molly's father to prison. She graduates from an exclusive finishing school and enjoys a life of privilege. The Object of Affection: Both women fall for David Page (Malcolm McGregor), a handsome young inventor. Molly first meets David after he rescues her from a scene at the dance hall. She encourages him to use his invention—a groundbreaking safecracking device—for good, convincing him to sell it to banks for theft prevention rather than to criminals. Through the bank directors (one of whom is Judge Banning), David meets Florence, and a romance blossoms between the two social equals. The dramatic climax occurs when the two women finally cross paths and realize their mutual love for David. In a classic act of noble sacrifice, Molly, believing that the gentle and refined Florence is the better match who will ensure David's happiness and respectable life, selflessly pushes Florence toward him. To ensure David believes she never loved him, Molly accepts the marriage proposal of her loyal underworld admirer, Chunky.