Harry Ashton is a superstitious gambling house owner, who relies on sprigs of heliotrope as his good luck charm. One day, Harry catches his wife, Cleo with another man. Harry shoots him and takes his 18 month old daughter, Sally to best friend, Sgt. Donovan to find her a good home. Harry turns himself in and gets life in prison. 17 years pass, Cleo is on the brinks of losing her job as a burlesque dancer. Cleo decides to blackmail the McBrides (Sally's devoted adoptive parents). Harry discovers this and promises his warden that while on parole he will protect Sally. Harry trades places with the McBride's butler. While working, Harry discovers a letter addressed to the McBrides from Cleo asking to meet with her. Harry meets with Cleo instead and they begin to fight...