Plot
Eric Fane (Barthelmess) leaves New York City to study music composition in Italy, defying his father's wishes that he return home and enter the business world. Encouraged by a sophisticated older woman, Eric travels to Paris, where he falls for a Russian princess. He begins composing popular songs that achieve commercial success, funding a lavish lifestyle. However, Eric grows weary of writing trivial music and dedicates himself to serious composition. The change leaves him in poverty, which the princess will not tolerate, and she abandons him.
Eric drifts to Port Said, where he works as a pianist in a disreputable dancehall. After getting into a brawl with an intoxicated sailor, Eric shoots the man and takes on his identity. A sympathetic woman helps Eric escape aboard a vessel headed for the South Seas. Upon arrival, he deserts the ship and is discovered by Teita (Love), an orphaned English woman living alone.
Eric and Teita fall in love and arrange to wed in a native ceremony. The night before their wedding, Eric notices a mark on her shoulder that he fears may be leprosy. Alarmed, he summons a Christian doctor. During the agonizing wait, Eric channels his emotions into composing a great concerto, finally achieving the artistic breakthrough he has sought throughout his travels. The doctor arrives and reassures them that Teita's condition is not leprosy.
Eric's composition is later performed at a concert in London to widespread acclaim. The performance is structured around flashbacks depicting Eric's tumultuous journey. [2] [6] [7]
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