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For the first few decades of the twentieth century, films that carried the sentimental theme of a mother's love were almost guaranteed good box office (this trend reversed itself in the 1960s, when mothers became a subject of satire). In the silent era, character actor Mary Carr was well known for her maternal roles, especially after the success of 1920's Over the Hill. Here Carr plays Anna Webb, whose husband John (Lynn Hammond) invents a new kind of sewing machine. The patent makes the family wealthy, and after Webb dies, Anna takes over the business. She puts her sons John (Percy Helton) and Harry Joseph Striker) in charge of the factory, while daughter Ruth (Jane Thomas) elopes. When Harry steals some money, the blame falls on John, who leaves town. Harry, who has been spoiled all his life, continues his dishonest ways. He draws money out of the family treasury and forges a check for a huge sum. Rather than see her son go to jail, Anna sells everything to cover the bad check and is reduced to working in a sweatshop. Her children are nowhere to be found. When Anna is injured in a car accident which makes the papers, her children reappear to do right by dear old mom.