Plot
Hallie (Esther Ralston), a spirited carnival worker, serves as barker, diving girl, and shill for a seedy street show where she’s romantically involved with Butch (Reed Howes), a smooth-talking three-shell artist and grifter. When the carnival sets up in a conservative small town, it pitches its tents across from the revival meeting of traveling evangelist Isaiah (Hobart Bosworth).
One rainy night, townspeople seeking shelter drift into Isaiah's tent, followed by carnival folks. That night, Hallie is arrested on charges of crooked gambling at the carnival. In court, she feigns repentance, and Isaiah, moved by her apparent sincerity, intercedes on her behalf. The judge paroles her into Isaiah's custody for ninety days. The carnival is ordered out of town.
Under Isaiah’s guidance, Hallie gradually grows to admire the old preacher’s sincerity. She throws herself into the revival work with enthusiasm, using her carnival know-how to draw crowds. Speaking from the platform herself, she becomes instrumental in turning the revival meetings into a local sensation.
Meanwhile, Butch has acquired a new carnival of his own, hoping to build a better future for himself and Hallie. He opens the show in another town—coincidentally on the same night Isaiah’s revival begins there. The original carnival owner, angry that Butch has set up competition, opens his own show nearby as well.
As Isaiah’s revival begins drawing away Butch’s audience, Butch grows resentful. Intent on “rescuing” Hallie, he barges into the revival to disrupt it, but hesitates when he sees Hallie struggling on stage, shaken by his presence. Unable to watch her fail, he sends his men through the crowd to shill for her, reviving the energy of the meeting.
While Butch and his gang are inside the tent, the rival carnival owner seizes the opportunity to attack. His gang torches Butch’s new midway. Butch and his men rush to the scene, but the damage is done—the show is in ruins.
Hallie finds him at the smoldering wreckage and assures him he’s not ruined but saved. She tells him that his old grifting ways would have ultimately led him nowhere.
Returning to the tabernacle, Hallie prepares to resume her revival work, but Isaiah, recognizing her deep love for Butch, urges her to follow her heart. Hallie rushes back to Butch, and the two embrace, ready to face an uncertain but honest future together. [4]
