A playwright named Richard Collier becomes intrigued by a photograph of a beautiful actress, Elise McKenna, taken in 1912. Compelled to learn more about her, he visits the Grand Hotel in Michigan, where the photo was taken and discovers that Elise once stayed there. After meeting an elderly woman who gives him a pocket watch and urges him to return in time, Richard becomes obsessed with the idea of traveling back to her era. He studies time travel and manages to hypnotize himself into returning to the year 1912.

Once in 1912, Richard encounters Elise and they form an immediate, deep connection. Despite initial resistance from Elise's protective manager, William Fawcett Robinson, the two develop a romantic relationship. Richard's presence begins to alter his surroundings and challenges the destined events of the past. As their love story unfolds, obstacles arise that threaten to separate them, testing the strength and sincerity of their bond across time.