Lovers Courageous

In 1919 London, Willie Smith, a 12-year-old with too much imagination, cuts school by forging a letter to the headmaster. His father belts him and declares he won't have a son 'different from other boys.' The whipping isn't enough to curb Willie's dreams of a life less ordinary.

Cut to the present, Willie is a restless adult aboard a ship, riding out a ferocious storm from the crow's nest. He drifts from hotel jobs in New York and Toronto to other lines of work, always spinning his adventures in letters home. His mother believes he'll become a great man, while his father and brothers doubt him.

After being fired in Canada, Willie tries his hand at being a cowboy but bungles a task with a wild bull. He announces he's off to South Africa, framing his absence as a grand adventure. The move marks the first step toward chasing a dream he keeps telling home about.

On the Royal Naval Base in Simon's Town, Willie starts work as an assistant in a shop and meets Mary Blayne, who is bored with life in South Africa. They quickly connect despite her engagement elsewhere, setting the stage for a forbidden attraction. Jeffrey, an officer, begins to suspect that Mary is seeing Willie.

Mary encourages Willie to pursue his dream of writing a play, and they rehearse scenes together. The romance complicates Mary’s engagement to Jimmy and draws the attention of Admiral Blayne’s circle, including Jeffrey. Willie reveals that the life he envisions is inseparable from Mary.

Mary’s mother uses an 'Aunt Margaret ill' ruse to demand Mary's return to England, departure that feels like a betrayal to Willie. Mary is torn between love and duty, while Jeffrey advises a painful separation to protect the family secret. They part with heartbreak at the pier.

Mary moves to England with her mother and eventually marries the wealthy Jimmy, even as her heart remains with Willie. Willie returns to England, living in poverty but continuing to write his play. He sends Mary a small gift—a box of cigarettes with a hopeful note.

Mary discovers Willie's address and travels to him, confessing she loves him and will give up everything for him. However, the Admiral happens upon them at Willie's place, revealing the depth of Mary's defiance. The Admiral refuses to help financially, leaving Willie to decide whether to stay or leave Mary.

Despite poverty, Mary and Willie wed and attempt to build a life together. The couple implores for a chance at happiness, but the money runs out as bills pile up and bread becomes scarce. Mary pawns belongings and Willie tries to keep faith in his writing.

When rent is due and relief is nowhere to be found, Willie steals a steak to feed them, a deception that Mary quickly sees through. They quarrel, and Mary refuses to give up on him, while Willie confesses fear of failing her.

In a climactic moment, Willie goes to the Admiral and offers to give Mary up, if the Admiral will take her back. The Admiral refuses to support them and demands Willie stay away. Willie agrees to walk away in a bid to keep Mary safe, leaving the Admiral to watch from a distance.

Willie tracks down a theater producer and pushes into his private office, insisting on reading the response to his script. Gerald Lamone likes it, though Belton doubts its believability. Willie explains the story is his own life, and pleads for a chance to prove himself.

Lamone produces William Smith's play Courage and the first act ends with the family outside as they await news. Jeffrey informs Willie that Mary has fallen gravely ill, prompting him to rush to her side. The Admiral's fury meets Willie's defiance as he races to be with Mary.

Courage earns a five-minute standing ovation and looks set for a long run. Mary hints at a future of stability and perhaps a baby, and Willie imagines Paris or Rome in celebration. The couple embraces, choosing love and hope over hardship.