AllMovie

Memory Lane is a vehicle for stars-in-the-making Eleanor Boardman and William Haines, both winners of an extensive MGM talent search. Boardman plays Mary, in love with poor-but-honest working stiff Joe Field (William Haines). But when Joe leaves town to seek his future in the Big City, Mary decides to marry Jimmy Holt (Conrad Nagel), son of the town's richest man. Upon his return, the heartbroken Joe kidnaps Mary, certain that she's still in love with him, but realizes he's acting like an idiot and sets her free. Knowing now that Mary genuinely adores her husband, Joe leaves town for good -- but not before making absolutely certain that the girl will forever despise his memory, thereby sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of hers.