Time period 1950s, Mrs. Savage has been left $10 million by her husband, and wants to establish a fund to help others realize their hopes and dreams. Her grown-up stepchildren, however, can’t wait to get the money for themselves. Knowing that the widow’s wealth is now in negotiable securities, they commit her to a sanitarium.

There, Mrs. Savage meets various social misfits, men and women who just cannot adjust themselves to life, people who need the help Mrs. Savage can provide. In getting to know her fellow inmates, Mrs. Savage realizes that she wants to remain with them even though her doctor finally ascertains that she doesn’t belong in the facility. The self-seeking stepchildren are driven to distraction by their vain efforts to browbeat Mrs. Savage, but she preserves her equanimity and leads them on a merry chase.