An abused woman escapes from her brutal stepfather and hides in an abandoned house, where a famous novelist in a crisis of inspiration also seeks refuge. They fall in love—but he is engaged and his bride is about to arrive.

The Greek myth of Pygmalion is given a feminist spin in this charming romantic comedy from the maverick silent filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché. With equal screen time given to its male and female protagonists, The Ocean Waif is a dynamic love story laced with pointed social and class commentary.