Lost Angel

Professors at the Institute of Child Psychology raise Alpha as an experiment to see if a scientific upbringing can create a genius. By age six, Alpha can speak Chinese, play chess and the harp, and has studied algebra and Napoleon's campaigns. The setup underscores the extraordinary expectations placed on her and foreshadows questions about childhood joy versus intellect.

Newspaper reporter Mike Regan is assigned to write an article about Alpha, despite his protests. He secures an interview with the reluctant professors and learns that Alpha, though lovingly raised, has missed out on the ordinary joys of childhood.

Disturbed by Mike's claim that magic is real, Alpha decides to investigate and escapes the Institute for the first time. She steps into the wider world, driven by curiosity and a longing to see whether wonder exists beyond the lab.

Alpha travels to the offices of the newspaper in New York City, and Mike, unhappy to be dragged along, agrees to bring her so he can keep a date with his girlfriend. Their unusual pairing marks Alpha’s first encounter with the adult world outside her institute.

Alpha initially dislikes Katie Mallory, unsure of the woman who occupies Mike’s attention. Katie’s warmth and understanding, however, begin to win Alpha over, hinting at a growing bond despite early jealousy.

An outbreak of measles triggers a quarantine at the Institute, forcing Mike to look after Alpha for several days. The confinement strengthens their bond and reframes Alpha’s world beyond laboratory routines.

That night, escaped murderer Packy Roost shows up at Mike’s apartment. Waiting for Mike, Alpha and Packy form an unlikely friendship, adding tension and new emotional stakes for Alpha.

When Mike returns, Packy asks him to find Lefty Moran to clear him of the crime. Mike reluctantly brings in Lefty, who turns out to be the real killer; the police arrest Lefty and Packy is exonerated.

The professors arrive to reclaim Alpha, but she resists leaving Mike. Mike, unwilling to assume responsibility, does not fight to keep her, signaling a shift in his priorities.

Mike proposes marriage to Katie, but she declines, citing his irresponsibility. The rejection underscores the fragility of Mike’s personal life and his failing sense of commitment.

Guilt-ridden, Mike accepts a job transfer to Washington, DC. Meanwhile, Alpha becomes despondent, refusing to eat or sleep as she faces the prospect of separation from Mike.

Mike experiences a change of heart and is reunited with Alpha and Katie. The trio resolves to face the future together, leaving the Institute hand in hand rather than breaking apart.