On the run from the law, Alonzo (Lon Chaney) hides in the circus as The Armless Wonder -- a performer who uses his feet to hurl knives. Alonzo actually has the use of his arms but keeps them concealed so that his true identity remains under wraps. Meanwhile, Alonzo falls in love with another performer, Nanon (Joan Crawford), who has a phobia against being touched by a man. But when the circus owner (Nick De Ruiz) discovers Alonzo's true identity, the performer makes a tragic decision.